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•iT Z.'\ b'i-
f
••«•,
• •• •
'••'
• •
FROM
Manassas to Appomattox
• _ •
■
_ •
• • •
MEMOIBS OP THE CIVIL WAB IS
AMERICA
BT
JAMES LOJSrGSTREET
LIEUTKHAMT-GKNSRAL OONFBDBBATK ARMY
ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS PORTRAITS, ESQRAVINQS, AND COLORED
MAPS SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR THIS WORK
Second Edition, Revised
PHILADELPHIA
J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
190b
IT
• •
• • •
• • •
• • •
t
• •
V
COPTBIOHT, 1896,
BT
J. B. LiPPiifcoTT CoMPAirr.
Aa RiglUi
Copyright, 1903, by J. B. Lippincott Co3ipany.
i r^722H
EilCTWOTVWD AND PWNTIO IfV J. B. UprWOOTT COMMNV, PHIiAMiPNIA, U AA.
• s
THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
TO THE
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE FIRST CORPS OF THE ARMY
OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
TO THE LIVING AND THE DEAD
In fncmoci? of
THEIR BRAVE DEEDS, THKIR TOILS, THEIR TRIBULATIONS.
AND THEIR TRIUMPHS
PREFACE.
After the surrender of the Confederate armies en-
gaged in the war between the States, General Lee under-
took to write of the campaigns of the Army of Northern
Virginia while under his command, and asked such as-
sistance as I could give in supplying reports, despatches,
and letters of his, the originals of which had been lost
or destroyed. Under the impression that they could not
be put to better use, such as were in hand were packed
and sent. He gave up the work, and after a few years
his death made it impossible that the world should receive
the story of the Confederate campaigns in Virginia from
the noble mind that controlled them.
Possibly, had I not expected our commander to write,
I should have written myself a decade or so earlier. But
the world is now better prepared to receive the account
of events as the records show them.
While I am so constituted, temperamentally, as to have
viewed the great struggle then aa I view it now, I do not
know that others might have so regarded it at the earlier
periods to which I refer.
I believe that now, more fully than then, the public is
ready to receive, in the spirit in which it is written, the
story which I present.
It is not my purpose to philosophize upon the war, but
I cannot refrain from expressing my profound thankful-
ness that Providence has spared me till such time a^ I can
see the asperities of the great conflict softened, its passions
entering upon the sleep of oblivion, only its nobler — if
VI PREFACE.
less immediate — results springing into virile and vast life.
I believe there is to-day, became of the wary a broader and
deeper patriotism in all Americans ; that patriotism throbs
the heart and pulses the being as ardently of the South
Carolinian as of the Massachusetts Puritan ; that the Lib-
erty Bell, even now, as I write, on its Southern pilgrimage,
will be as reverently received and as devotedly ioved in
Atlanta and Charleston as in Philadelphia and Boston.
And to stimulate and evolve this noble sentiment all the
more, what we need is the resumption of fraternity, the
hearty restoration and cordial cultivation of neighborly,
brotherly relations, faith in Jehovah, and respect for
each other ; and God grant that the hapj)y vision that de-
lighted the soul of the sweet singer of Israel may rest
like a benediction upon the North and the South, ujx)n
the Blue and the Gray.
The spirit in which this work has been conceived, and
in which I have conscientiously labored to carry it out, is
one of sincerity and fairness. As an actor in, and an eye-
witness of, the events of 1861-Go, I have endeavored to
j>ei:form my humble share of duty in passing the mate-
rials of history to those who may give them place in the
records of the nation, — not of the South nor of the North,
— but in the history of the United Nation. It is with
such magnified view of the responsibility of saying the
truth that I have written.
I yield to no one as a champion of the Southern soldier
wherever he may have fought and in whatever army, and
I do not think I shall be charged more now than in
war-time with " underestimating the enemy." Honor to
all! If I speak with some particularity of the First
Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia, it must be
ascribed in part to the affection of a commander, and in
part to my desire to relieve its brave officers and men in
the ranks from unjust aspersions. After General Ix'c's
death, various writers on the Southern cause combined with
PREFACE. Vll
one accord to hold the First Corps and its commander
responsible for all adversity that befell the army. I
being under the political ban, and the political passions
and prejudices of the times running high, they had no
difficulty in spreading their misrepresentations South and
North until some people, through their mere reiteration,
came to accept them as facts. 1 simply present the facts
concerning the First Corps in all fulness and fairness,
attested by indisputable authorities, that the public may
judge between it and its detractors.
That the South had just cause for war in protecting and
defending lawful property is proved by the sequel. This
narrative will show that its chances of success were fair.
In the accounts of battles and movements, the official
War Records supply in a measure the place of lost papers,
and afford a great mass of most trustworthy statistics. I
am under obligations to General E. P. Alexander, Gen-
eral G. M. Sorrel, Colonel Osmun Latrobe, Colonel J. W.
Fairfax, Colonel T. J. Goree, Colonel Erasmus Taylor,
and Colonel J. C. Haskell for many interesting sugges-
tions.
To Major George B. Davis and Mr. L. J. Perry, of the
War Records office, I am under obligations for invaluable
assistance ; as also to Mr. Alfred Mathews^ of Philadel-
phia, for material aid in revising the manuscript of these
memoirs.
The Author.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
THE ANTE-BELLUM LIFE OF THE AUTHOR.
PAOE
Birth— Ancestry— -School-Boy Duya— Appointmeut as Cadet at the
Uuited States Military Academy— Graduates of Historic Classes
—Assignment as Brevet Lieutenant — Gay Life of Garrison at
Jefferson Barracks— Lieutenant Grant^s Courtship — Annexation
of Texas — Army of Observation — Army of Occupation— Camp
Life in Texas— March to the Rio Grande— Mexican War .... 13
CHAPTER IL
FROM NEW MEXICO TO MANASSAS.
The War-Cloud — Tlie Journey Northward— Appointed Brigadier-
Gen eral— Report to General Beauregard— Assigned to Com-
mand at the Scene of the First Conflict— Personnel of the
Confronting Forces— Description of the Field of Manassas, or
Bull Run — Beauregard and McDowell of the same West Point
Class— Battle of Blackburn's Ford— Early's Mistake— Under
Fire of Friend and Foe 29
CHAPTER IIL
BATTLE OF MANASSAS, OR BULL RUN.
Commanders on both Sides generally Veterans of the Mexican
War— Gteneral Irvin McDowell's Preconceived Plan — Johnston
reinforces Beauregard and approves his Plans— General Bernard
E. Bee-— Analysis of the Fight— Superb Work of the Federal
Artillery— Christening of *' Stonewall Jackson" — McDowell's
Gkillant Effort to recover Lost Power— Before he was shorn
of his Artillery he was the Samson of the Field— The Rout —
Criticism of McDowell — Tyler's Reconnolssance— Ability of the
Commanding Generals tested 42
CHAPTER IV.
THE CONFEDERATES HOVERING AROUND WASHINGTON.
An Early War-Time Amenity— The Author Invited to dine with
the Enemy— ** Stove-pipe Batteries"— J. E. B. Stuart, the Fa-
mous Cavalryman— His Bold Dash on the Federals at Lewlns-
vllle — Major-General G. W. Smith associated with Johnston
and Beauregard in a Council— Longstreet promoted Major-
General— Fierce Struggle at BalFs Bluff— Dranesvllle a Success
•
1^
X CONTEXTS.
PAGE
for the Union Arms— McClellan given the Sobriquet of "The
Young Napoleon'' 59
CHAPTER V.
ROUND ABOUT RICHMOND.
The Defences of the Confederate Capital— Anny of Northern Vir-
ginia at Centreville—Aggressive Action— Council with the
President and Secretary of War— Mr. Davis's High 0[)iniou of
McClcl Ian— Operations on the Peninsula— Engagements about
Yorktown and Williamsburg— Severe Toil added to the Soldiers'
Usual Labors by a Saturated Soil 64
CHAPTER VI.
THE BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG.
The Attack on Fort Magruder— Hancock occupies Two Redoubts —
The Slaughter in Early's Brigade— Tlie Fifth North Carolina
Regiment and Twenty-Fourth Virginia mercilessly ex[)osed—
A Hard-Fought Engagement— A Confederate Victory— Mc-
Clellan not on the Field the Greater Part of the Day— Han-
cock called **The Sui^erb" by McClel Ian— Johnston pays Higli
Tribute to Longstreet 72
CHAPTER VII.
SEVEN PINES, OR FAIR OAKa
A New Line of Defence— Positions of the Confronting Armies—
Fitz-John Porter— Terrific Storm on the Eve of Battle— Gen-
eral Johnston's Orders to Longstreet, Smith, and Huger— Lack
of Co-operation on the Confederate Side, and Ensuing Confu-
sion—Fatalities among Confederate Officers— Kearny's Action
— Serious Wounding of Gteneral Johnston at the Close of the
Battle— Summary and Analysis of Losses 81
CHAPTER VIIL
SEQUELJB OF SEVEN PINES.
The Forces under Command of G. W. Smith after Johnston was
wounded— The Battle of the 1st— Longstreet re<|uests Reinforce-
ments and a Diversion — Council held — McLaws alone sustains
Longstreet's Opposition to retiring— Severe Figliting— Pickett's
Brave Stand— General Lee assigned to Command— He orders
the withdrawal of the Army— Criticism of fkMHTal Smith— Con-
federates should not have lost the Battle— Keyes's Corroboration 103
CHAPTER IX.
ROBERT E. LEE IN fVlMMAMi.
The Great General's Assignment not at first awurlng to iUo Army-
Able as an Engineer but limited as Ut VUM H<frvlcc— He makes
CONTEXTS. XI
PAUE
the Acquaintance* of liis Tiieutriiantss— Calls a Cniiiicil- (Jains
Confidence by saying Notliing— **A Little JIunior now and
then"— Lee Plana a Simultaneous Attack on McCleiian'^ Front
and Bear—J. £. B. Stuart's Daring Recounoissance around the
Union Army 112
CHAPTER X.
FIGHTING AliOXG THK CHICKAHOMIXY.
Retreat — Lee's Bold Initiative — Lee and liis Lieutenants planning
Battle— The Confederates' Loss at Mechanicsville— Gaines's
Mill— A. P. Hill's Fight— Longstreet'fl Reserve Division put
in— McClellan's Change of Base — Savage Station— Lon gat reet
engages McClellan's Main Force at Frayser's Farm (or Glen-
dale)— President Davis on tlie Field— Testimony of Federal
Generals — Fierce Bayonet Charges — "Greek meets Greek"—
Capture of General McCall— McClellan's Masterly Retreat . . 120
CHAPTER XL
BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL.
Last Stand in the Great Retreat— Strength of McClellan's Position
— ^The Confederates make Poor Us-e of their Artillery — A Mis-
take and Defeat for Lee's Army— The Campaign as a Whole a
Great Success, hut it should have been far greater— McClellan's
Retreat showed him well equip]>ed in the Science of War— Re-
view of the Campaign— Jackson's and Magruder's Misunder-
standing— Moral Effect of the Gunboats on the James River —
"There should be a Gunboat in Every Family" 141
CHAPTER XIL
HALLECK AND POPE IN FEDERAL COMMAND.
Centres of Activity gravitate towanls Orange and Culpeper Coun-
ties— Pope's Unsoldierly Preliminary Orders— Jackson's and
Pope's Encounter at Slaughter Mountain— Confidence in and
Esteem for General Ijce— The Confederate (>)mmander's Plans
for cutting off Poi)e miscarry— Capture of Captain Fitzhugh
with Important Orders— Longstreet puts General Tooml>s
under Arrest— General Pope withdraws MS
CHAPTER XIIL
MAKING READY FOR MANASSAS AGAIN.
General Lee modifies his Order of March— Continuous Skirmish-
ing— Cavalry Commander Stuart gets into General Poj>e'8
Head-quarters and captures his Personal Equipment— His
Uniform Coat and Hat shown along the Confederate Lines—
Jackscm's Superb Flank Movement — Confederates capture
Trains, Supplies, Munitions, and Prisoners— Hooker and
'/
Xll CONTEXTS.
FAOl
Evv(*ll a( Hri.<<l<K'Station^Ja<k.soii Hrst on tlio <>1<1 Firl<l of Bull
Run— Longstreet's Coiiiinaiid joins pansinK Thorouglifare Uup
— Pope practically throws licMiMiUHibility for Aggressive Action
on McDowell— Preliminary Fighting— General Pope surpriseii
bj' Jackson— Pope'fl Orders to Fitz-John Porter 163
CHAPTER XIV.
SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS ^BULL RL'X).
Buttle oi)ened by the Federals on Jackson's Right, followed by
Kearny — Longstreet's Reconnoissance — Stuart, the Cavalry
Leader, sleeps on the Field of Battle— Pope thought at the
Close of the 29th that the Confederates were retreating— Second
Day— Fitz-John Porter struck in Flank— Longstreet takes a
Hand in the Fight late in the Day— Lee under Fire— The
Federal Retreat to Centreville— That Point turned — Pope again
dislodgeil- ** Stonewall" Jackson's Appearance and Peculiari-
ties—Killing of ** Fighting Phil" Kearny — Losses— Review of
the Campaign 180
CHAPTER XV.
THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN.
General Lee continues Aggrt^sive Work— From Foraged Fields of
Virginia into a Bount4K>us Land— Longstreet objected to the
Movement on Harper's Ferry— Lee thinks the Occasion Timely
for Proposal of Peace and Independence — Confederates sing-
ing through the Streets of Fredericktown — McClellan's Move-
ments— C'autious Marches — Lee's Lost Order handed to the
Federal Chief at Frederick 199
CHAPTER XVL
*'TIIE LOST ORDKll"— SOUTH MOUNTAIN.
How the Federals found the Despatch — With every Advantage
McClellan **niade haste slowly"— Lee turns back to meet
him at South Mountain— Longstreet preferred that the Stand
should Ik' made at Sharpsburg— The Battle at the Pass — Many
killed — Cieneral Garland of the Confe<lerate and General Reno
of the Union Side — A Future President among the Wounded—
Eiitiuiate of Forces engagc*d 212
CHAPTER XVIL
PRELIMINARIES OF THE GREAT BATTLE.
ConfederatoH retreat from South Mountain— Fwlerals follow and
harasH them— Franklin and Cobb at Crampt^m's Pam— A Spir-
ited A<'tion— Fighting around UariHtr'n Ferry— Its Capitula-
tion—The (*onfi**lerateH take VAt*vt'U Thousand PnHf>ners —
Jackson rejoins lA*e— Det4crlptiou of the Field of Antietam—
CONTEXTS. XIU
PAGK
McClellaii posts his Corps— Lee*8 Lines advautageoiisly placed
—Hooker's Advance on tlie Eve of Battle should have been
resisted 227
CHAPTER XVIII.
BATTLE OF SIIARPSHURG, OR AXTIETAM.
Bloodiest Single Day of the War— Comparison of Casualties-
Hooker opens the Fight against Jackson's Centre — Many Offi-
cers among the Fallen early in the Day — McLaws and Walker
in time to meet Sumner's Advance under Sedgwick— Around
Dunker Chapel— Richardson's Splendid Advance against the
Confederate Centre the Signal of the Bursting of another Storm
— Longstreet's and D. H. Hill's Troops stood before it— Fall
of G^eneral G. B. Anderson— General Richardson mortally
wounded— Aggressive Spirit of his Command broken — Won-
derful Cannon-shot — General D. H. Hill's Third Horse killed
under him 239
CHAPTER XIX.
BATTLE OP SHARPSBURG, OR ANTIETAM (CX)NTINUED).
Closing Events of the Groat Struggle — Burnside crosses the Bridge
he made famous — Toombs made Gallant Defence, but was out-
numlieredand dislodged- The Confederate Brigades from Har-
per's Ferry under A. P. Hill in Time for the Final Crisis —
Burnside's Advance arrested by them— The Battle against
Burnside ** appeared to spring from the Earth" — ** Lee's old
War Horse" — ^The Killing of a Kinsman at the Bridge seriously
affects General D. R. Jones — The Sharp Fight at Shepherds-
town— Confederates retreat— Casualties of the Battle— Confed-
erate Losses in the Campaign— Neither McClellan's Plan nor
Execution was strong 256
CHAPTER XX.
REVIEW OF THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN.
Confederate Expectations — General Lee's Salutatory to the People
of Maryland— The *' Lost Despat<;h" — McClellan's Movements
— Turn in the Tide of War — A Miracle great as the throwing
down of the Walls of Jericho— In Contempt of the Enemy the
Confederate Army was dispersed— Harper's Ferry a "Man-
Trap" — It diverted tiie Army from the Main Issue — Lee and
McClellan compared and contra.sted— Tribute to the Confe<l-
erate Private Soldier 279
CHAPTER XXL
REORGANIZATION AND REST FOR BOTH ARMIES.
The Confederates appoint Seven Lieu tenant-Generals— The Army
of Northern Virginia organized in Corps— General McClellan
XIV CONTEXTS.
TkGE
relieved, aud General Biirii»ide appointed Commander of the
Army of the Potomac— A Lift for the South— McClelhin was
growing— Burnside'a ** Three Grand Divisional'— The Campaign
of the Rappahannock— Getting Reaciy for Fredericksburg—
Longstreet occupies Frederick5«i)urg — The Town called to sur-
render by General Sumner— Exodus of the lnhal)itant« under
a Tlireat to shell the Town 290
CHAPTER XXII.
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG.
Description of the Field— Marye's Heights— Position of the Troope
of Longstreet's Command — General Jackson called down fh>m
Orange Court-House, and Preparations made for a Determined
Stand— Signal Guns at Three o'Clock in tlie Morning announce
the Long-Expectod Battle — Burnslde's Brldge-Bullders thrice
driven back from their Work — The Crossing Anally made by
Boats— Federals under Hot Fire enter Fredericksburg — How
they obtained their FcnUhold on the West Bank of the Rappa-
hannock— Gallant Officers and Men — Ninety-seven killed or
wounded In the Space of Fifty Yards — General Burnside's Plan
of Battle — Strength of the Contending Forces 297
CHAPTER XXIII.
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG (CONTINrED).
The Battle-fleld veiled l>y a Heavy Fog— Torritlc Fighting of the
13th of December— Forlorn Hoih» of the Federals— Gt»neral
Meade's Division of Franklin's Coniuiand makes the First
Advance — General French leads against tlie Confederate Left —
Hancock follows -General Cobb killed— The Sunken Road and
Stone Wall below Marye's Hill— De»i>erate Advances and De- «
termined Repulses — Humphreys's Heroic Assault— The Stone
Wall **a Sheet of Flame"— General Jackson loses his Oppor-
tunity to advance — Tlie Charge of Meade's Divisions com-
pared with that of Piekett, Pettigrew, and Trimble's Columns
at Gettysburg— Forty Per Cent, killed in charging Lines here,
and Sixty Per Cent, at Gettysburg— Total Losses— Peace to U»
declared because Gold had gone to 200— Organization of the
Army of Northern Virginia 306
CHAPTER XXIV.
PREPARING FOR THE SPRING OF '63.
Burnside's Abortive Mf)ves— Tlie ** Mud March"— General HfK)ker
supersedes Burnside — ^The Confederates strengthen their Posi-
tion for the Winter— Lrmgstreet ordere<l to Petersburg— Secre-
tary of War Seddon and the Author talk of General Cirant and
the Confwlerate Situation on the Mississippi and In the West —
Longstreet makes a Radical ProiM)?<ition for Confederate Con-
CONTENTS. XV
PAGK
centration in Tennessee, thus to compel Grant to abandon
Vicksburg— The §kllful Uae of Interior Lines the Only Way of
equalizing the Contest — Battle of Chancellorsville, Lee's Bril-
liant Achievement— Criticism — Death of "Stonewall" Jackson
— The Resolve to march Northward — The Army reorganized
in Three Corps— Ewell and A. P. Hill appointed Lieutenant-
Generals 322
CHAPTER XXV.
INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Plan of the Confederate March North — General Lee hoped to draw
Troops from the South and develop Important Results North
of the Potomac— He wanted Beauregard sent to support the
Movement — The Authorities in Richmond failed to compre-
hend— The Value of the "Interior Lines" not appreciated —
Spirited Cavalry Fight at Brandy Station between Stuart's and
Pleasonton's Commands — Engagement of Ewell and Milroy at
Winchester — ^The Question of Authority for the Cavalry Move-
ments— Lieutenant-Colonel Fremantle of the Coldstream
Guards, British Army, as a Guest and Observer — The Confed-
erate Advance reaches Pennsylvania Soil — General Lee issues
Orders for a March on Harrisburg— Municipal Authorities of
York and Gettysburg surrender to General John B. Gordon . . 334
CHAPTER XXVL
QETTYSBURG — FIRST DAY.
Information of Federal Force and Positions brought by the Scout
Harrison— General Lee declines to credit it— General Long-
street suggests a Change of Direction in Conformance with
the Revelation — General Meade had succeeded Hooker in Com-
mand Five Days before Battle — Positions on the Eve of the First
Day— Confederate Cavalry ** not in sight" — **Tlie Eyes of the
Army" sadly needed — A Description of the Famous Battle-
field—Generals Ewell and A. P. Hill engage the Federals-
Death of Gteneral John F. Reynolds— The Fight on Seminary
Ridge— General Hancock in Federal Command on the Field-
Concerning the Absent Cavalry and Information given by the
Scout— Conditions at the Close of the First Day*8 Fight .... 346
CHAPTER XXVIL
GETTYSBURa— SECOND DAY.
The Confederate Commander reviews the Field and decides on
Plan of Battle— Positions on the Morning of July 2 — Night
March of the Federal Sixth ("orps— It was excelled by Law's
Brigade of Confederates— Tlie Battle was opene(' after Mid-
day— General Hood ap|>eals for Peraiission to turn viie Federal
Li'ft— Failure to make tl>e Flanking Movement by the Confed-
XVI COXTENT8.
PAOB
erate Right was a Serious Mistake— ILnnI, in his usual Oallant
Style, led his Troops forward ainonir the Ilocks — l)eHjH»rate
Charges against an Earnest Adversary — HcmkI woundeil— (ien-
eral Law succeeds him in command of tlie Division—** Little
Round Top" an ImiHjrtant Point— ** The Citadel of the Field"
— It was a Fight of Sevent'cen Thousand Confe<lerates against
twice their Number— Quiet along the Lines of otlier Confeder-
ate Commands — ** A Man on the Left wlu) didn't (*are to make
the Battle win" — Evidence against the Alleged Order for
" Battle at Sunrise"— The ** Order" to Ewell was Discretionary
— Lee had lost his Balance 362
CHAPTER XXVIIL
OKTTVSBURO— THIRD DAY.
The Stroke of Arms that shook tlio Continent— Lonpstrtvt o]>]>oHed
the Attack as planned and made— Tlie Confederate Column of
Assault — It was weak in Numl^ers hut strong in Spirit— Tre-
mendous Artillery Coml)at lx»gins the l)ay*s Fighting— Charge
of Qenerals Pickett, Trimble, and IVttigrew — Armistead falls
by the Side of the Federal Guns— The Fetleral Cavalry Charge
of Qeueral Farnsworth — The Commander falls with Five Mor-
tal Wounds — Could the Assaulting (*olumn have l>een safely
augmented from Longstreet's Right? — Testimony as to that
Point — Where rest«<l the Responsibility for Disaster?— Criti-
cism of the Battle as a Whole — Cemetery Hill strongtT than
Marye's Hill at Fredericksburg — Controverte<l Points— Casual-
ties of the Three Days' Fight— Organization of the Forces
engaged 385
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE WAVE KOLUS BACK.
Confederates retreat from Grettysburg— The Federals pursue— ('n)ss-
iug the Potomac under Difficulties— KilpatrickV Cavalry Dash
on Pettigrew*s Command— General Iah? thought to rest his
Aniiy in the Valley of Virprinia, but Meade followe<l too fast-
Engagements that harassed the Retreat— Creneral Iah} wished
to be relieved of Command, but President Davis would not
consent to the Api>ointment of Joseph E. Johnston or (General
Beauregard 426
CHAPTER XXX.
I/ONGSTKEET MOVI.>; TO fiEOK(HA.
The Author reverts to the Perils and OpiMjrtunities in the West —
Proposes to the Secretary of War to reinforce against Rosecrans
from the Army of Northern Virginia — Makes Plan known to
General Iah» — The Move finally ettcM-ted — DIfYienlties of Trans-
portation— A Roundabout Route— General liongstreet iiar-
COXTENTS. XVll
PAGE
rowly escapes capture when seeking Brugg^s Head-qua rtA^rs —
General Bragg assigns Longstreet to Command of tlie Left —
Instructions for tlie Battle of Ciiickamauga — Tlie Armies in
Position— Federals in Command of Generals Rosecrans, Critten-
den, McCook, and George H. Thomas 433
CHAPTER XXXI.
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA.
Tactical Features— The Battle opened by Direct Attack on the
Federals in the Early Morning of September 20 — Repeated
and Determined Front Assaults— Brigadiers Helm killed and
Adams wounded — Tlie Union Commands lay behind Defences
—Hood's Brigades surged through the Forest against the
Covered Infantry and Artillery— Hood wounded— Longstreet
suggests a Plan for Progressive Action— Halting Tactics at
High*ride of Success— The Confederate Left fought a Separate
Battle — General Thomas retreats — First Confederate Victory
in the West, and one of the Bloodiest Battles of the War —
Forces engaged— Losses 446
CHAPTER XXXIL
FAILURE TO FOLIX)W SUCCESS.
Longstreet differs with General Bragg as to Movements of Pur-
suit— The Confederates on Lookout Mountain — Federals gain
Comfortable Positions around it— Superior Officers of Bragg's
Command call for his Removal— Bragg seeks Scapegoats— Pres-
ident Davis visits the Army— Tests the Temper of the Officers
towards Bragg— He offers the Command to Longstreet — He
declines — His Reasons— General Bragg ignores Signal-Service
Reports and is surprised— General Joe Hooker's Advance —
Night Attack on Lookout Mountain— Colonel Bratton's Clever
Work— Review of the Western Movement and Combination
— It should have been effected in May instead of September
—Inference as to Results had the First Proposition been
promptly acted upon 461
CHAPTER XXXIIL
THE EAST TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN.
General Bragg's Infatuation — General Grant in Command of the
Federal Forces— Longstreet ordered into East Tennessee— His
Plans for the Campaign— Poorly supported by his Superior —
Foraging for Daily Rations— General Burnside's Forces — Ad-
vance upon Knox vi lie — Affairs at Lenoir's and Campbell's
Stations— Engagement near Knoxvllle an Artillery Combat —
Reprehensible Conduct of Officers— Allegement that One was
actuated by Jealousy— Federals retire behind their Works —
Laying the Confederate Lines about Knox vi lie 480
XVm CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
BESIEGING KNOXVILLE.
PAOB
Closing on the Enemy's Lines— A Gallant Dash— The Federal Po-
sitions—Fort Loudon, later called Fort Sanders— Assault of the
Fort carefully planned— General Me Laws advises Delay — The
Order reiterated and emphasized— Gallant Effort by the Bri-
gades of Generals WofTord, Humphreys, and Bryan at the
Appointed Time — A Recall ordered, because carrying the
Works was reported impossible— Gteneral Longstreet is ordered
by the President to General Bragg's Relief— Losses during the
Assault and the Campaign 497
CHAPTER XXXV.
CUT OFF FROM EAST AND WEST.
Impracticability of joining Greneral Bragg— Wintering in East Ten-
nessee— General Longstreet given Discretionary Authority over
the Department by President Davis— Short Rations — Minor
Movements of flide-and-Seek in the Mountains— Longstreet's
Position was of Strategic Importance — That Fact fully appre-
ciated by President Lincoln, Secretary Stanton, and Generals
Halleck and Grant — ** Drive LongHtrci't out of East Tennessee
and keep him out*' — Generals Robertson and McLaws— The
Charges against them and Aotion taken— Honorable Mention
for Courage and Endurance — ^The Army finally fares sumptu-
ously on the Fat Lands of the French Broad 509
CHAPTER XXXVL
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD.
Longstreet again considers Relief from Service — General Grant at
Knox vi lie — Shoeless Soldiers leave Bloody Trails on Frozen
Roads — A Confederate Advance— Affair at Dandridge — Fed-
erals retreat— Succession of Small Engagements— General
Grant urges General Foster^s Army to the Offensive— Gteneral
Foster relieved— General Schofleld in Command of Federals —
General Grant's Orders — General Halleck's Estimate of East
Tennessee as a Strategic Field— Affair of Cavalry— Advance
towards Knox vi lie— Longstreet 's Command called back to De-
fensive for Want of Cavalry 524
CHAPTER XXXVIL
LAST DAYS IN TENNESSEE.
Longstreet's Army at Bull's Gap — IT. S. Grant made Lieutenant-
General — Richmond Authorities awake to the Ciravity of the
Situation— Longstreet's Proposition for Campaign— Approved
by General Lee— Richmond Authorities fail to adopt it— General
CONTEXTS. XIX
PAGE
Bragg*s Plan — A Memorable and Unpleasant Council at the
Capital— Orders from President Davis — ^The Case of Gteueral
Law — Longstreet ordered to the Army of Northern Virginia —
Resolutions of Thanks from Confederate Congress 542
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS.
Campaign of 1864— General Grant in the Field— Strength of the
Armies — Their Positions— Description of the Wilderness — The
Battle opened— A Brisk Day's Fighting— Longstreet's Com-
mand faces Hancock's on the Morning of the Second Day —
An Etrective Flank Movement— G^eneral Wadsworth mortally
wounded— General Jenkins falls under Fire of Friends, and
Longstreet is seriously wounded— Carried from the Field on a
Litter— Tribute to General Jenkins— Criticism and Contro-
versy 651
CHAPTER XXXIX.
AGAIN IN FRONT OF RICHMOND.
Longstreet absent on Leave, nursing his Wounds — Hears of the
Death of Cavalry Leader J. E. B. Stuart— Returns to Virginia-
Assigned to Command on the North Side of James River— Af-
fair on the Williamsburg Road— Lee's Apprehension of Grant's
March Into Richmond — Closing Scenes of the Campaign of
1864 about the Confederate Capital— General Benjamin F. But-
ler's Move against Fort Fisher— Remote Effects on the Situa-
tion in Virginia 572
CHAPTER XL.
TALK OF PEACE.
Second Federal Move against Fort Fisher and Wilmington Harbor
—Confederate Disaffection — Act of Congress appointing a Su-
preme Commander of the Armies— Montgomery Blair's Peace
Conference — Longstreet has a Meeting with General Ord, Com-
mander of the Army of the James — Military Convention pro-
posed—Correspondence between General Grant and General
Lee — Longstreet's Suggestions for Measures In the Critical
Juncture near the Close of the War 682
CHAPTER XLL
BATTLE OP FIVE FORKR
Various Affairs 'of the Closing Campaign— The Massing of Grant's
Forces— Sortie against Fort Steadman — Captured but quickly
retaken — General Grant's Move around the Confederate Right
^General Lee anticipates with Ajrgressive Work — Sheridan
XX COXTKXTS.
PAGE
makes Battle with his Wlioli* Force at Five Forks— DoHperate
Situation of the Confederates— DiHparity of Numbers — Splendid
Stand and Battle of Generals Pickett and Ransom — Colonel
Pegrani mortally wounded — W. II. F. \a^% tlie ** Noble Son of
a Noble Sire'* — Corse's Division— Pickett's Generalship — Cas-
ualties 51K)
CHAPTER XL 11.
i»i-rrEK8BrRG.
The Fierce Concerted Assault by the Federals — Deaih of A. P.
Hill — General Lee announct»s to Richmond Authorities that he
nmst retreat— Reception of the News by President Davis at
Church Service — Federals take Forts Gregg and Whit worth—
The Retreat harassed by Continuous Fighting — I^ongstreet
saves High Bridge, a Vital Point — Ewell and Others eomiH^lled
to surrender — General Malione's Account of Interesting Scenes
— Magnitude of the Disaster—** Is the Army disscjlving?" —
General Reed mortally wounded — Panic m'curs, but Order is
restored — General Gregg and Part of his Cavalry Comnn«nd
captured by Rosser and Munford G03
CHAPTER XLIIL
APPOMATTOX.
Some of General Lee's Officers say to him that "Further Resist-
ance is Hopeless" — Longstreet does not approve — Oenenil
Grant calls for Surrender — ** Not yet" — The Confederate Chief-
tain asks Terms— His liesponse to his Officers as represented
by General Pendleton — Correspondence of Generals Ijee and
Grant— Morning of April 9— General Lee rides to meet the
Federal Commander, while Longstreet forms the L^ist Line of
Battle — Longstreet endeavors Ui recall his Chief, hearing of a
Break where the Confederate TrcM)ps could pass— Custer de-
mands Surrender of Longstreet— Reminded of Irregularity,
and that he was ** in the Enemy's Lines"— Meeting witli Gen-
eral Grant- Capitulation— Last Scenes 618
CHAPTER XL IV.
POST-BELLUM PEXDAXT.
Old Friends and their Kindness — General Grant — His Character-
istic Letter of Introduction to President Johnson— In Business
in New Orleans— Political Unfriendliness— Cause of Criticism
of Military Career— Appointed Surveyor of Customs— The Old
Nurse 632
appp:ndix.
betters of (General Rol)ert E. Lee and General Longstreet (^39
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
(leneral James Longstreet (1895) Frontispiece
General J. E. B. Stuart 60
General R. -E. Lee 112
General Thomas J. Jackson • 166
Battle of Thoroughfare Gap 174
I)ef«'at of the Federal Troops hy Longstreet's Corps (Second Manassas) . 188
The Battle of Antietam (Burnside's Bridge) 262
The Battle t»f Fn^erickshurg (fn)m the Battery on Lee's Hill) 308
(Jettyslnirg (Second Day's Battle) 374
Ketreat from Gettysburg (Accident during the Night-Crossing of the
Potomac on a Pontoon Bridge) 430
Battle of Chickamauga (Confederates flanking the Union Forces) .... 464
The Assault on Fort Sanders, Knoxville 606
The Wounding of General Longstreet ( Battle of the Wilderness) .... 664
General Alexander arranging the last Line of Battle formed in the Army
of Northern Virginia 624
Fac-aimile of Letter from General K. £. Lee 638
xjd
LIST OF MAPS.
PAOB
First Battle of Bull Run 42
Battle of Seven Pines 96
Battle of Mechanicsville 124
Battle of Malvern Hill 142
Second Battle of Bull Run (Opening) 186
Second Battle of Bull Run (Nightfall) 196
Battle of Sharpsburg 246
Battle of Fredericksburg 298
Strategic Map of the Theatre of War, May, 1868 828
Battle of Gettysburg 862
Position of Confederate First Corps, Gettysburg, Third Day 899
Battle of Chickamauga 446
Confederates around Chattanooga 4C2
Siege of Knoxville 498
Battle of the Wilderness 566
Battle of Five Forks 601
xxil
FROM
MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX
CHAPTER I.
THE ANTE-BELLUM LIFE OF THE AUTHOR.
Birth — Ancestry— School-Boy Days — Appointment as Cadet at the
United States Military Academy— Graduates of Historic Classes —
Assignment as Brevet Lieutenant — Gay Life of Garrison at Jefferson
Barracks— Lieutenant Grant's Courtship — Annexation of Texas —
Army of Observation— Army of Occupation — Camp Life in Texas —
March to the Rio Grande— Mexican War.
I WAS born in Edgefield District, South Carolina, on
the 8th of January, 1821. On the paternal side the
family was from New Jersey ; on my mother's side, from
Maryland. My earliest recollections were of the Georgia
side of Savannah River, and my school-days were passed
there, but the appointment to West Point Academy was
from North Alabama. My father, James Longstreet, the
oldest child of William Longstreet and Hannah Fitzran-
dolph, was born in New Jersey. Other children of the
marriage, Rebecca, Gilbert, Augustus B., and William,
were born in Augusta, Georgia, the adopted home.
Richard Longstreet, who came to America in 1657 and
settled in Monmouth County, New Jersey, was the pro-
genitor of the name on this continent. It is difficult to
determine whether the name sprang from France, Ger-
many, or Holland. On the maternal side. Grandfather
Marshall Dent was first cousin of John Marshall, of the
Supreme Court. That branch claimed to trace their line
18
•• . • • • • •
•• •••••• •
••• ••••• •
• •• •••••••
14 PllOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
back to the Coiuiueror. Marslmll Dent married Ann Ma-
gruder, when they migrated to Augusta, Georgia. Father
married the eldest daughter, Mary Ann.
Grandfather William I^ngstreet first applied steam as
a motive power, in 1787, to a small Imat on the Savannah
River at Augusta, and spent all of his private means
upon that idea, iu^ked aid of his friends in Augusta and
elsew^here, had no encouragement, but, on the contrary,
ridicule of his proposition to move a boat without a
pulling or other external power, and especially did they
ridicule the thought of expensive st^Am-lx)ilers to l>e
made of iron. To obviate costly outlay for this item, he
built boilers of heavy oak timbers and strong iron bands,
but the Augusta marines were incredulous, as the follow-
ing from the city papers of the times will indicate :
'*Can you row the boat ashore,
Billy boy, Billy boy ;
Can 3'ou row the boat ashore,
Gentle Billy ?
Can you row the l)oat ashore,
Without paddle or an oar,
Billy boy f'
Full of confidence, tlie inventor thought to appeal to
the governor, and his letter is still preserved in the State
archives :
** Augusta, GEORniA, September 26, 1790.
'* Sir, — I make no doubt but you have often heard of ray steam-
lx)at, and as often heard it laughed at, but in this I have only
shared the fate of other projectors, for it has uniformly been the
custom of every country to ridicule the greatest inventions until
they had proved their utility. In not reducing my scheme to
active use it has been unfortunate for me, I confess, and i)erliaps
the people in genei-al ; but, until very lately, I did not think that
artists or material could be had in the place sufficient. However,
necessity, that grand mother of invention, has fumishe<i me witli
an idea of perfecting my plan almost entirely of wooden material,
and by such workmen as may be liad here ; and, from a thorougli
confidence of its success, I have presumed t^) ask your assist:uuf6
• • • •
THE AXTI>nKLLrM LIFE OF THE AFTHOK. IT)
and patronago. Should it succeed agreeably t^ my expectations,
I hope I shall discover that sens<^ of duty whicli sucli favoi-s
always merit ; and should it not succeed, your reward must lay
with other unlucky adventures.
^^For me to mention all of the a^lvantages arising from such
a machine would be tedious, and, indeed, quite unnecessary.
Therefore I have taken the liberty to state, in this plain and
humble manner, my wish and opinion, which I hope you will ex-
cuse, and I shall remain, either with or without your approbation,
^^ Your Excellency's most obedient and humble servant,
*^Wm. Longstbeet.
** Governor Telfair."
He failed to secure the necessary aid, and the discovery-
passed into the possession of certain New Yorkei's, who
found the means for practicable application, and now
steam is the goddess that enlightens the world.
My father was a planter. From my early boyhood he
conceived that he would send me to West Point for army
service, but in my twelfth year he passed away during
the cholera epidemic at Augusta. Mother moved to North
Alabama with her children, whence in my sixteenth year
I made application through a kinsman, Congressman
Reuben Chapman, for appointment as cadet, received the
coveted favor, and entered with the class that was admitted
in 1838.
As cadet I had more interest in the school of the soldier,
horsemanship, sword exercise, and the outside game of
foot-ball than in the academic courses. The studies were
successfully passed, however, until the third year, when I
failed in mechanics. When I came to the problem of the
pulleys, it seemed to my mind that a soldier could not find
use for such applianbes, and the pulleys were passed by.
At the Januarv examination I was called to the blackboard
and given the problem of the pulleys. The drawing from
memory of recitation of classmates was good enough, but
the demonstration failed to satisfy the sages of the Aca-
demic Board. It was the custom, however, to give those
.. •.. • . -.; •... : r ; ; . • . •. . ./• •• .
• »•••* •••., • -1-. • • ••••••• • •
• '.: .•• .• : .- : .•••. : •.••
16 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
who failed in the general exaniinatiun a second hearinj;,
after all of the classes were examined. This gave me two
days to " cram" mechanics, and particularly on pulleys.
But the professors were too wily to introiluce them a second
time, and took me through a searching examination of the
six months' course. The bridge was safely })assed, how-
ever, and mechanics left behind. At the June examina-
tion, the end of the academic year, I was called to demon-
strate the pulleys. The professor thought that I had for-
gotten my old friend the enemy, but I smiled, for he had
become dear to me, — in waking hours and in dreams, — and
the cadet passed easily enough for a maximum mark.
The cadets had their small joys and sometimes little
troubles. On one occasion a cadet officer rej)orted me for
disobedience of orders. As the report wjis not true, I
denied it and sent up witnesses of the occasion. Dick
Grarnett, who fell in the assault of the 3d, at Gettysburg,
was one witness, and Cadet Baker, so handsome and lova-
ble that he was eddied Betsy, was the other. Upon over-
looking the records I found the report still there, and
went to ask the superintendent if other evidence was
necessary to show that the report was not true. He w^as
satisfied of that, but said that the officer complained that I
smiled contemptuously. As that could only be rated as
a single demerit, I asked the benefit of the smile ; but
the report stands to this day. Disobedience of orders and
three demerits. The cadet had his revenge, however, for
the superintendent wiis afterwards known as The Punster.
There were sixty-two graduating members of the class
of 1842, my number being sixty. I was assigned to the
Fourth United States Infantry as brevet lieutenant, and
found my company with seven others of the regiment at
Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, in the autumn of 1842.
Of the class graduating the year that we entered were
G. T. Beauregard and Irvin McDowell, who, twenty-three
years later, commanded the hostile armies on the plains
THE AXTI>BELLUM LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 17
of Manassas, in Virginia. Braxton Bragg and W. J.
Hardee were of that class.
The head man of the next class (1839) was I. I. Ste-
vens, who resigned from the array, and, after being the
first governor of Washington Territory, returned to mili-
tary service, and fell on the sanguinary field of Chantilly
on the 1st of September, 1862. Next on the class roll
was Henry Wager Halleck, who was commander-in-chief
of the United States armies from July, 1862, to March,
1864. W. T. Sherman and George H. Thomas, of the
Union army, and R. S. Ewell, of the Confederate army,
were of the same class (1840). The class of 1841 had
the largest list of officers killed in action. Irons, Ayers,
Ernst, Gantt, Morris, and Burbank were killed in the
Mexican War. N. Lyon, R. S. Garnett, J. F. Reynolds,
R. B. Garnett, A. W. Whipple, J. M. Jones, I. B. Richard-
son, and J. P. Garesch^ fell on the fields of the late war.
Of the class of 1842 few were killed in action, but
several rose to distinguished positions, — Newton, Eustis,
Rosecrans, Lovell, Van Dorn, Pope, Sykes, G. W. Smith,
M. L. Smith, R. H. Anderson, L. McLaws, D. H. Hill,
A. P. Stewart, B. S. Alexander, N. J. T. Dana, and
others.
But the class next after us (1843) was destined to ftir-
nish the man who was to eclipse all, — ^to rise to the rank
of general, an office made by Congress to honor his ser-
vices ; who became President of the United States, and
for a second term ; who received the salutations of all
the powers of the world in his travels as a private citizen
around the earth ; of noble, generous heart, a lovable
character, a valued friend, — Ulysses S. Grant.
I was fortunate in the assignment to Jeffisrson Barracks,
for in those days the young officers were usually sent off
among the Indians or as near the borders as they could
find habitable places. In the autumn of 1842 I reported
to the company commander, Captain Bradford R. Alden,
2
18 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
a most exemplary man, who proved a laj-iling, valued
friend. Eight companies of the Tliird Infantry were
added to the garrison during the spring of 1843, which
made garrison life and society gay for the young i)eople
and interesting for the older dashes. All of the trooi)S
were recently from service in the swamps and Everglades
of Florida, well pre})ared to enjoy the change from the
war-dance of the braves to the hospitable city of St.
Louis ; and the graceful stej) of its charming belles be-
came a joy forever.
Of the class of 1843, Ulysses S. Grant joined the
Fourth Regiment as brevet lieutenant, and I had the
pleasure to ride with him on our first visit to Mr. Fred-
erick Dent's home, a few miles from the garrison, where
we first met Miss Julia Dent, the charming woman who,
five years later, became Mrs. Grant. Miss Dent was a
frequent visitor at the garrison balls and hops, where
Lieutenant Hoskins, who was something of a tease, would
inquire of her if she could tell where he might find " the
small lieutenant with the large epaulettes."
In May, 1844, all of our pleasures w^ere broken by orders
sending both regiments to Louisiana, near Fort Jessup,
where with other troops we \vere organized as " The Army
of Observation," under General Zachary Taylor.
In March, 1845, I was assigned iis lieutenant in the
Eighth Regiment, and joined my company at St. Augus-
tine, Florida. The soldier's life of those days was not
encouraging to those of active aspirations; but influences
were then at w^ork that were beginning to brighten the
horiz(m a little. The new republic of Texas was seeking
annexation with the United States, which w^ould endanger
the peace between them and the rej)ublic of Mexico.
Annexation of Texas became the supreme question of the
canvass of 1844. James K. Polk was the nominee of the
Democratic and annexation party, and Henry Clay was
on the other side as the Whig nominee. Polk was elected,
THK AXTK-BELl.l^M LIFK OF THF ArTHOR. 10
and his ynirty, prepared to signalize it^s triumph by an-
nexation as soon a^ it came into power ; but in the last
days of President Tyler's administration, through skilful
management of Secretary of State John C. Calhoun, joint
resolutions of annexation were passed by both houses of
Congress, subject to concurrence of the Congress of the
new republic. Strange as it may seem, the resolutions
that added to the territory of the United States more than
the New England and Middle States combined, and which
eventually led to extension to the Pacific coast and hun-
dreds of miles north, only passed the lower house by
twenty-two majority, and the Senate by a majority of two.
When the resolution was passed, the minister from
Mexico to our government, General Almonte, demanded
his passports, and diplomatic relations between the gov-
ernment«? ceased. On July 4, 1845, the Texas Congress
accepted and ratified the resolutions of annexation by
unanimous vote, and Texas was a State of the Union.
General Taylor's little army of observation was ordered
to Corpus Christi, Texas, and became "The Army of
Occupation." All other available forces were ordered to
join him, including General Worth and his forces in
Florida. At the time there were in the line of the army
eight regiments of infantry, four of artillery, and two of
dragoons, stationed along the northern frontier from Fort
Kent in tlie northeast of Maine to the west end of Lake
Superior, and along the western frontier from Fort
Snelling to Fort Leavenworth, and southward to Fort
Jessup in Louisiana.
By the middle of October, 1846, three thousand eight
hundred and sixty men of all arms had concentrated at
Corpus Christi. Seven companies of the Second Dragoons
had marched from Fort Jessup to San Patricio on the
Nueces River, about twenty-eight miles up from Corpus
Christi ; the other three companies were halted at San
Antonio, Texas. Near our camps were extensive plains
20 FROM MANASSAS* TO APPOMATTOX.
well adajrted to luilitnrv inanaMivres, which were put to
prompt use for drill and professional instruction. There
were many advantages too in th(» way of amusement, game
on the wild pniiries and fish in the hroad gulf were plen-
tiful, and there was the salt water for bathing. On one
oceiision during the winter a violent north wind foree<l
the waters over the beach, in some jdaces far enough to
disturb our camps, and when they receded, quantities of
fish were found in the little puddles left behind, and
turtles more than enough to supply the army.
The oflficers built a theatre, de})ending upon their own
eflforts to reimburse them. As there was no one outside
the army except two rancheros within a hundred miles,
our dramatic company was organized from among the
officers, who took both male and female characters. In
farce and comedy we did well enough, and soon collected
funds to pay for the building and incidental expenses.
The house was filled every night. General Worth always
encouraging us. General Taylor sometimes, and General
Twiggs oc*casionally, we found ourselves in funds suffi-
cient to send over to New Orleans for costumes, and con-
cluded to try trageily. The " Moor of VcMiice" was chosen,
Lieutenant Theoderic Porter * to Ik* the Moor, and Lieu-
tenant U. S. Grant to be the daughter of Brabantio.
But after rehearsal Porter protested that male heroines
could not supj)ort the character nor give sentiment to the
hero, so we sent over to New Orleans and secured Mrs.
Hart, who was popular with the garrisons in Florida.
Then all went well, and life through the winter was gay.
Fprmal diplomatic relations l)etween the republics were
suspended, but quasi negotiations were continued, seek-
ing a course by which war might be averted. The au-
thorities of Mexico were not averse to the settlement
according to the claims of Texas, — the Rio Grande fron-
* Brother of the rear-admiral.
THE ANTE-BELLUM LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 21
tier, — but the political affairs of the country were such
that they could not agree. Excitement in the United
States increased as the suspense continued. But the au-
thorities, having confidence in their negotiations or wishing
to precipitate matters, ordered General Taylor to march
across to the Rio Grande at Matamoras in the spring of
1846. The execution of the order precipitated war.
The move from Corpus Christi to the Rio Grande made
necessary a change of base from St. Joseph's Island to
Point Isabel and Brazos Santiago, near the mouth of the
Rio Grande. Supplies Avere sent by sea, under charge of
Major Munroe, with a siege train and field battery, and
the army took up its march on the 9th of March, 1840,
the advance under General Twiggs, consisting of the dra-
goons and Ringgold's field battery. The army was well
instructed, un^er good discipline, and fully prepared for
field work, the weather was fine, and the firm turf of the
undulating prairies made the march easy. Wild horses
and cattle, and deer and antelope, were often seen in the
distance as they scampered away to hide themselves. On
the 19th the head of the column approached Arroyo Colo-
rado, one hundred and thirty miles from Corpus Christi.
The arroyo was about three feet deep, of salt water.
Mexican lancers were on the southern side, and gave
notice that they had orders to resist our further advance.
On the 21st the army was up and deployed along the
high banks of the arroyo, the field batteries in position.
General Worth was ordered to make the crossing, and rode
at the head of the column. We looked with confidence
for a fight and the flow of blood down the salt water before
we could cross, but the Mexicans had no artillery, and
could not expose their cavalry to the fire of our batteries ;
they made their formal protest, however, that the crossing
would be regarded as a declaration of war.
On the 24th of March the column reached the road lead-
ing from Point Isabel to Matamoras. General Taylor or-
22 FROM MAXAS8AS TO APPOMATTOX.
dered Worth to march the greater part of the army towards
Matamoras and halt at the first good camping-ground,
and rocle towards Point Isabel to meet the detachment or-
dered there under Major Munroe. He found them already
landed, and the Mexicans fired their little hamlets and
fled. After ordering construction of protection for his
supplies and defensive works for the troops, General Tay-
lor returned to the armv, and rode with General Worth
towards the Rio Grande. As the army approached the
river the Mexicans on the Matamoras side made some dis-
play of forces, manned their works on that side, and pre-
pared to resist us, under the impression that we would
cross at once. General Worth was sent over, and was met
by General La Vega, on the part of General Mejia, com-
manding on that side. He was told that Mexico had not
declared war, that the American consul was in the ex-
ercise of his functions; but Worth's request to see the
consul was refused, which was denounced as a belligerent
act, and he cautioned General La Vega against passing
Mexicans to the north side of the river.
Camps were pitched in range of tlie Mexican works
about Matamoras, grounds staked for constructing de-
fensive works, and large details put out to work on them.
The Mexican forces at this time were three thousand, and
they were soon joined by two thousand more.
Political affairs with them were confused. President
Herrera was thought to favor the claims of Texas to the
Rio Grande border. General Paredes made pronuncia-
mento, overthrew the president's government, and had
authority as war president. He sent General Amj)udia
to the frontier to take charge, but the appointment was
not satisfactory on the border, and General Arista was
assigned. There was discord over there between the au-
thorities and the generals, while General Taylor was too
far from his government to be bothered. His army was
all that he could wish, except in numbers.
\
THE ANTE-BELLUM LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 23
Marauding parties came over occasionally and made
trouble about the ranches on the American side. One
party killed Colonel Cross, our chief quartermaster, on
the 10th of April. Scouting parties were sent out to look
for the intruders. Lieutenant Theoderic Porter, in com-
mand of one party, and one of his men were cauglit in
ambush and killed. Captain Walker, of the Texan Ran-
gers, while out on a scout lost his camp guard of five men,
surprised and killed, and later Captains Thornton and
Hardee, of the dragoons, were met at Rancho Carricitos
by a large cavalry force and some infantry under Gen-
eral Torrijon, who took captive or killed the entire party.
Captains Thornton and Hardee and Lieutenant Kane
were made prisoners. The other commissioned officer of
the command, George T. Mason, of my class, refused to
surrender ; being a superior swoi'dsman, he tried to cut his
way out, and was killed. This affair was taken as open
war, and General Taylor called on the governors of Texas
and Louisiana — under his authority from Washington —
for volunteers of infantry and cavalry.
The capture of Thornton and Hardee created great ex-
citement with the people at home. Fanning's massacre
and the Alamo at San Antonio were remembered, and it
was reported of General Ampudia, who on a recent occa-
sion had captured a general in Yucatan, that he boiled
his head in oil. So it was thought he would give no
quarter ; but in a day or two we heard from the officers
that they received great kindness from their captors, and
that General Ampudia had ordered that his government
should allow them their full pay and every liberty con-
sistent with their safe-keeping. They declined, however,
to accept pay, and were held as the guests of Generals
Arista and Ampudia.
On the 1st of May our tents were struck, wagons packed,
assembly sounded, and the troops were under arms at three
A.M.9 marched at four o'clock, and bivouacked within ten
24 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
miles of Point Isabel. No one was advised of the cause
of movements, but all knew that our general understood
his business. He had been informed that Greneral Arista,
with his movable forces, had marched to Rancho de Lon-
goreno, some leagues below us on the river, intending to
cross and cut us off from the base at Point Isabel. Major
Jacob Brown was left in charge of the works opposite
Matamoras with the Seventh Regiment of Infantry,
Captain Lowd's company of artillery, and Bragg's field
battery.
By some accident provision was not made complete for
Arista to make prompt crossing of the river, and that
gave General Taylor time to reach his base, reinforce it,
and draw sufficient supplies. Advised of our move by
General Mejia, at Matamoras, General Arista was thrown
into doubt as to whether our move was intended for Mata-
moras, and sent back part of his forces for its defence.
Finding, however, that Taylor had gone to Point Isabel,
Arista crossed the river and put his line athwart our
return march at Palo Alto. To hasten Taylor's return,
he ordered General Mejia, at Matamoras, to open his bat-
teries on our troops at Fort Brown, and make serious
demonstrations against them.
General Taylor started on his return on the 7th of May.
We had heard the artillery-fire upon comrades left at the
forts, and were anxiously looking for the order. It was
received with cheers, and a good march was made, but the
night was awful. The mosquitoes seemed as thick as the
blades of grass on the prairie, and swarmed and buzzed in
clouds, and packs of half-famished wolves prowled and
howled about us. There was no need for the sound of
reveille. The wolves and mosquitoes, and perhaps some
solemn thoughts, kept us on the qui mve. Arista's army
was known to be in line of battle only a few miles off.
About one o'clock we halted to fill the canteens, and
marched to meet the enemy. The columns were deployed.
THE ANTE-BELLUM LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 25
— Fifth Infantry on the right, Ringgold's battery, Third
Infantry, a two-gun battery of eighteen-pounders, the
Fourth Infantry, battalion of artillery acting as infantry,
Duncan's field battery and Eighth Infantry, Captains
Charles May and Croghan Ker, with squadrons of
dragoons, looking to the trains; the Third and Fourth
Infantry, the Third Brigade, under Colonel John Gar-
land. That brigade, with the Fifth Regiment, the heavy
guns, and Ringgold's, were of the right wing. General
Twiggs commanding. Other forces of the left were under
Colonel William G. Belknap, Eighth Infantry, and Dun-
can's Battery.
As the lines deployed, Lieutenant J/E. Blake, of the
Topographical Engineers, dashed forward alone, made
a close inspection of the enemy's line with such light-
ning speed that his work was accomplished before the
enemy could comprehend his purpose, rode back and
reported to the commanding general. He was one of the
heroes of the day, but his laurels were enjoyed only a
few hours. As he took his pistol off at night he threw
it upon the ground, and an accidental explosion of one
of the charges gave him a mortal wound.
The line advanced until the puff of smoke from one
of the enemy's guns rose, and the ball bounded over the
prairie, passed over our heads, and wounded a teamster
far in our rear. Our infantry was ordered down and
our artillery into practice. It was an artillery combat
more than a battle, and held until night. The Mexican
cavalry made a charge against the Fifth Regiment, and
finding our front of square too strong repeated on another
front, but were repulsed. Presently the grass took fire,
and the winds so far favored us as to sweep the smoke
in the enemy's faces, and when it passed we found the
Mexican line had been drawn back a little. May's
squadron was sent there, and General Taylor advanced
the right of his Hn^hafejiight closed in before decisive
20 FROM 3IAXA.SSA8 TO APPOMATTOX.
work could be done. The arnlie^s were near enough
during the night to hear the nioam^ of the wounded.
Major Ringgohl was mortally wounded, also Captain John
Page, of the Fourth Infantry, but lej*s than fifty of our
troops were lost.
Early the next morning a few of the Mexican troops
could be seen, but when the sun rose to light the field it
was found vacant. A careful reconnoissance revealed that
the enemy was in retreat, and the dragoons re}X)rted them
in march towards our comrades at Fort Brown.
General Taylor remained on the field a few hours to
have the killed and wounded of both sides cared for, but
sent the dragoon^, light infantry, and Ringgold's battery
in pursuit, the latter under Lieutenant Riindolph Ri<lgely.
The light infantry was of two battalions, under Captain
George A. McCall and Captain C. F*. Smith. The route
of march was through a dense chajiarral on both sides of
the road, the infantry finding their way as best tliey could
through the chaparral, the dragoons and Texas Rangers
moving on the road, and far off* from our fianks,
wherever they could find ways of passage. The company
to which I was attached was of Smith's battalion, on the
right of the road. After a considerable march the bat-
talion came to the body of a young Mexican woman. She
had ceased to breathe, but blood heat was still in her lK)dv,
and her expression life-like. A profusion of black hair
covered her shoulders and person, the only covering to
her waist. This sad spectacle, so unlike our thoughts
of battle, unnerved us a little, but the crush through the
thorny bushes soon brought us back to tlioughts of heavy
work, and then c^me reports of several guns and of grape-
shot flying over our heads and tearing through the wood.
A reconnoissance found General Arista's army on the south
bank of a stream, Resacii de la Palma, which at this
season had dried into lagoons with intervening passes.
The road crossed at a wide gap between two extensive
THE ANTE-BELLUM LIFE OF THE AUTHOK. 27
lagoons. The most of the enemy's artillery was near the
road, the infantry behind the lagoons, with improvised
breast defences of pack-saddles and other articles that
could be found to stop musket-balls. The lagoons were
about a hundred feet wide and from two to three feet deep.
The position was so strong that General Arista thought
it would not be attacked. He left General La Vega in
command at the road, arid made his head-quarters some
distance in rear, holding his cavalry in hand to look for
any flank move, unpacked his mule-train, and turned the
animals out to graze. General Taylor received reports of
our adventures and reconnoissance when he rode up, de-
ployed his army for battle, and ordered it forward. In
the dense chaparral it was not possible to hold the regi-
ments to their lines, and in places the companies were
obliged to break files to get along. All of the enemy's
artillery opened, and soon his musketry. The lines closed
in to short work, even to bayonet work at places. Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Mcintosh had a bayonet tlirust through
his mouth and neck.* Lieutenant R. M. Cochran, Fourth
Regiment, and T. L. Chadbourne, of the Eighth, were
killed ; C. R. Gates and C. D. Jordan, of the Eighth, were
severely wounded. The latter, a classmate, was over-
powered and about to be slaughtered when rescued by
Lieutenant George Lincoln, of the Eighth, who slew with
his sword one of the assailants.
Finding the enemy's strong fight, in defence, by his
artillery. General Taylor ordered Captain May to charge
and capture the principal battery. The squadron was
of his own and L. P. Graham's troops. The road was
only wide enough to form the dragoons in column of
fours. When in the act of springing to their work,
Ridgely called, " Hold on, Charlie, till I draw their fire,"
and loosed his six guns upon the battery at the road.
* He had fttflinilar wound in the war of 1812.
28 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
The return was prompt, but General Taylor, not noting
the cause of delay, repeated the order. Ridgely's work,
however, was done, and May's spurs pressing his horses
had them on the leap before the order reached his ears.
In a minute he was at the guns sabring the gunners, and
wheeling right and left got possession of the batteries.
General La Vega was found at one of his batteries trying
to defend it with his sword against one of May's dragoons,
but was forced to get in between the wheels of his guns
to avoid the horse's heels as they pressed him, when his
rank was recognized and he was called to surrender.
As May made his dash the infantry on our right was
wading the lagoon. A pause was made to dip our cui>s
for water, which gave a moment for other thoughts ; mine
went back to her whom I had left behind. I drew her
daguerreotype from my breast-pocket, had a glint of her
charming smile, and with quickened spirit mounted the
bank in time to send some of the mixed infantry troops
to relieve May of his charge of the captive knight.
As a dragoon and soldier May was splendid. He stood
six feet four without boots, wore his beard full and flow-
ing, his dark-brown locks falling well over his shoulders.
His appearance as he sat on his black horse Tom, his
heavy sabre over General La Vega, was grand and pictu-
resque. He was amiable of disposition, lovable and genial
in character.
Not so grand of stature, or beard, or flowing locks, Ran-
dolph Ridgely was as accomplished a soldier and as
charming a companion, — ^a fitting counterpart in spirit
and dash.
I have gone thus far into the Mexican War for the
opportunity to mention two valued friends, whose memory
returning refreshes itself. Many gallant, courageous
deeds have since been witnessed, but none more interesting
than Ridgely's call for the privilege to draw upon himself
the fire that was waiting for May.
CHAPTER 11.
FROM NEW MEXICO TO MANASSAS.
The War-Cloud— The Journey Northward— Appointed Brigadier-Gen-
eral—Report to General Beauregard— Assigned to Command at the
Scene of the First Conflict— Personnel of the Confronting Forces-
Description of the Field of Manassas, or Bull Run— Beauregard and
McDowell of the same West Point Clas^— Battle of Blackburn's
Ford— Early's Mistake— Under Fire of Friend and Foe.
I WAS stationed at Albuquerque, New Mexico, as pay-
master in the United States army when the war-cloud
appeared in the East. OflBcers of the Northern and
Southern States were anxious to see the portending storm
paas by or disperse, and on many occasions we, too, were
assured, by those who claimed to look into the future, that
the statesman would yet show himself equal to the occa-
sion, and restore confidence among the people. Our mails
were due semi-monthly, but during winter seasons we
were glad to have them once a month, and occasionally
had to be content with once in six weeks. When mail-
day came the officers usually assembled on the flat roof of
the quartermaster's office to look for the dust that in that
arid climate announced the coming mail-wagon Avhen five
or ten miles away ; but affairs continued to grow gloomy,
and eventually came information of the attack ui)on and
capture of Fort Sumter by the Confederate forces, which
put down speculation and drew the long-dreaded line.
A number of officers of the post called to persuade me
to remain in the Union service. Captain Gibbs, of the
Mounted Rifles, was the principal talker, and after a long
but pleasant discussion, I asked him what course he would
j)ursue if his State should pass ordinances of secession
and call him to its defence. He confessed that he would
obey the call.
29
30 FROM MAXAa^^AS TO APPOMATTOX.
It was a sad day Avheii Ave ioak Iviwe of lifetime com-
mde^ and gave up a service of twenty years. Neither
Union officers nor their families made efforts to conceal
feelings of deepest regret. When Ave drove out from the
prist, a number of officers rode with us, which only made
the last farewell more trying.
Passing Fort Craig, on the opposite side of the Rio
Grande, we pitched our camp for the night. A sergeant
of the Mounted Rifle Regiment came over to see me, and
stated that he was from Virginia, and thought that he
could go with us to his native State, and at the same time
asked that several other soldiers w^ho washed to return to
their States might go as my escort. I explained that
private soldiers could not go without authority from the
War Department ; that it w^as different with commissioned
officers, in that the latter could resign their commissions,
and when the resignations Avere accepted they were inde-
pendent of military authority, and could, as other citizens,
take such action as they might choose, but that he and his
comrades had enlisted for a specified term of years, and
by their oaths were bound to the term of enlistment ; that
I conid not entertain the proposition.
We stayed overnight at Fort Fillmore, in pleasant
meeting Avith old comrades, saddened by the reflection
that it w^as the last, and a prelude to occurrences that
must compel the ignoring of former friendships AA'ith the
acceptance of opposing service.
Speaking of the impending struggle, I was asked as to
the length of the war, and said, " At least three years, and
if it holds for five you may begin to look for a dictator,"
at which Lieutenant Ryan, of the Sev^enth Infantry,
said, " If we are to have a dictator, I hope that you may
be the man."
My mind was relieved by information that my resigna-
tion was accepted, to take effect on the 1st of June. In
our travel next day Ave crossed the line into the State of
FllOM NEW MEXICO TO MANASSAS. 31
Texas. From the gloomy forebodings of old friends, it
seemed at El Paso that we had entered into a different
world. All was enthusiasm and excitement, and songs of
" Dixie and the South" were borne upon the balmy air.
But the Texas girl did not ascend to a state of incan-
descent charm until the sound of the first notes of " The
Bonny Blue Flag" reached her ear. Then her feet rose
in gleeful springs, her limbs danced, her hands patted,
her eyes glowed, her lips moved, though she did not care
to speak, or listen to any one. She seemed lifted in the
air, thrilled and afloat, holding to the " Single Star" in
joyful hope of Southern rights.
Friends at El Paso persuaded me to leave my family with
them to go by a train that was to start in a few days for San
Antonio, and to take the faster route by stage for myself.
Our travelling companions were two young men, return-
ing to their Northern homes. The ride of our party of
four (including the driver) through the Indian country
was attended with some risk, and required vigilance, to be
assured against surprise. The constant watchfulness and
possible danger over a five-hundred-miles travel drew us
near together, and in closer communion as to our identity
and future movements, and suggested to the young men
that it would be best to put themselves under my care,
trusting that I would see them safely through the Confed-
erate lines. They were of the laboring class, and had
gone South to find employment. They were advised to
be careful, and talk but little when among strangei's.
Nothing occurred to cause apprehension until we reached
Richmond, Texas, where, at supper, I asked for a glass of
milk, and was told there was none.
"What!" said one of my companions, "haven't the
keows come up ?"
Signal was telegraphed under the table to be on guard.
The nom de plurne of the Texas bovine escaped attention,
and it pjissed as an enjoyable lapsus Unguce,
32 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
At Galveston we took a small inland sailing-craft, but
were a little apprehensive, as United States ships were
reported cruising outside in search of all vessels not flying
the Stars and Stripes. Our vessel, however, was only
boarded once, and that by a large Spanish mackerel that
made a misleap, fell amidships, and served our little com-
pany with a pleasant dinner. Aboard this little vessel I
first met T. J. Goree, an intelligent, clever Texan, who
afterwards joined me at Richmond, and served in faithful
duty ss my aide-de-camp from Bull Run to Appomattox
Court-House.
At New Orleans, my companions found safe-conduct to
their Northern lines, and I journeyed on to Richmond.
Relatives along the route, who heard of my approach, met
me at the stations, though none suggested a stop over-
night, or for the next train, but after affectionate saluta-
tions waved me on to join " Jeff Davis, for Dixie and for
Southern rights."
At every station old men, women, and children assem-
bled, clapping hands and waving handkerchiefs to cheer
the passengers on to Richmond. On crossing the Vir-
ginia line, the feeling seemed to culminate. The windows
and doors of every farm-house and hamlet were occupied,
and from them came hearty salutations that cheered us
on to Richmond. The spirit electrified the air, and the
laborers of the fields, white and black, stopped their
ploughs to lift their hats and wave us on to speedy travel.
At stations where meals were served, the proprietors, in
response to offers to settle, said, " Meals for those going
on to join Jeff Davis are paid."
On the 29th of June, 1861, I reported at the War
Department at Richmond, and asked to be assigned for
service in the pay department, in which I had recently
served (for when I left the line service, under appointment
as paymaster, I had given up all aspirations of military
honor, and thought to settle down into more peaceful
FROM NEW MEXICO TO MANASSAS. 33
pursuits). On the lat of July I received notice of my
appointment as brigadier-general, with orders to report at
Manassas Junction, to General Beauregard.
I reported on the 2d, and was assigned to command
of the First, Eleventh, and Seventeenth Regiments of
Virginia Volunteers, to be organized as a brigade. The
regiments were commanded respectively by Colonels
Moore, Samuel Garland, and M. D. Corse, all active,
energetic, and intelligent officers, anxious to acquire skill
in the new service in which they found themselves. Lieu-
tenant Frank Armstead was assigned to duty at brigade
head-quarters, as acting assistant adjutant-general, and
Lieutenant Peyton T. Manning as aide-de-camp. Dr.
J. S. D. Cullen, surgeon of the First Virginia Regiment,
became medical director. The regiments were stationed
at Manassas Junction.
On the 6th they were marched out, formed as a brigade,
and put through the first lessons in evolutions of the line,
and from that day to McDowell's advance had other
opportunities to learn more of the drill and of each
other. I General Beauregard had previously settled upon
the stream of Bull Run as his defensive-aggressive line,
and assigned his forces accordingly. A brigade under
Brigadier-General R. S. Ewell was posted at Union Mills
Ford, on the right of the Confederate lines ; one under
Brigadier-General D. R. Jones at McLean's Ford ; Briga-
dier-General Bonham's brigade was placed on outpost
duty at Fairfax Court-House with orders to retire, at the
enemy's approach, to Mitchell's Ford, and Brigadier-
General P. St. George Cocke was to hold the fords be-
tween Mitchell's and the Stone Bridge, the latter point to
be defended by a regiment and a battalion of infantry,
and a battery, under Brigadier-General N. G. Evans.
Between Mitchell's and McLean's Fords, and about
half a mile from each, is Blackburn's Ford. The guard
at that point was assigned to my command, — the Fourth
8
34 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Brigade, — ^which was ordered to be ready, at a mouieut*8
warning, to march to position, and prepare for battle. In
the mean time I was to study the ground and familiarize
myself with the surroundings and avenues of approach
and retreat. Bull Run rises from the foot-hills of the
Blue Ridge and flows southeast through deeps and shal-
lows into the Potomac, about forty miles south of Alex-
andria. The swell of the tide-waters up to Union Mills
gives it the depth and volume of water of a river. Black-
burn's Ford is in a great bend of the river, the north
bank holding the concave of the turn. On the convex
side was a strip of alluvial soil about seventy feet wide,
covered by large forest-trees and some tangled under-
growth. Outside and extending some three hundred
yards from the edge of the woodland was an arable field
upon a pretty ascending plain, beyond which was a second
growth of pine and oak. On the north bank stood a
bluff of fifteen feet, overhanging the south side and
ascending towards the heights of Centreville. Below
Blackburn's Ford the bluff extended, in more or less
ragged features, far down to tlie southeast. Just above
my position the bluff graded down in even decline to
Mitchell's Ford, the position assigned for Bonham's bri-
gade, the latter being on the concave of the river, six
hundred yards retired from my left and at the crossing of
the direct road between Centreville and Manassas Junc-
tion. At the Junction well-constructed battery epaule-
ments were prepared for defence.
The bluff of the north bank was first designated as my
most suitable ground, and I was ordered to open the front,
lay out and construct trenches, to be concealed by green
pine-boughs. The regiments were from Richmond, Lynch-
burg, and Alexandria, — more familiar with the amenities
of city life than with the axe, pick, spade, or shovel.
They managed, however, to bring down as many as half
a dozen spreading second-growth pines in the course of
FROM NEW MEXICO TO MAxVASSAS. 35
two days' work, when General Beanregard concluded that
the advanced position of the brigade would mar his gen-
eral plan, and ordered the line to be taken along the
river bank of the south side, under the woodland, and
close under the bluff, a position only approvable as tem-
porary under accepted rules of warfare, but this proved
a favorable exception between the raw forces of the con-
tending armies. In addition to the two brigades on
my right, the Sixth Brigade, under Colonel Jubal A.
Early, was posted (with artillery) near the fords. As
proximate but separate commands, stood General Theo.
Holmes, thirty miles off to the right, with a brigade, a
battery, and cavalry, at and about Acquia Creek, and
General J. E. Johnston, sixty miles away, over the Blue
Ridge Mountains. Holmes's should have been an out-
post, but he had ranked Beauregard in the old service,
and as a point of etiquette was given a separate command.
Johnston's command should have been an outlying con-
tingent, but he had been assigned to the Shenandoah
Valley when, because threatened with immediate inva-
sion, it was of first importance. Beauregard was subse-
quently assigned to Manassas Junction, which, under later
developments, became the strategic point. As Johnston
was his senior, another delicate question arose, that was
not solved until the tramp of McDowell's army was heard
on the Warrenton Turnpike.
The armies preparing for the first grand conflict were
commanded by West Point graduates, both of the class of
1838, — Beauregard and McDowell. The latter had been
assigned to command of the Federal forces at Washing-
ton, south of the Potomac, in the latter part of May, 1861.
The former had assumed command of the Confederates at
Manassas Junction about the 1st of June.
McDowell marched on the afternoon of the 16th of
July at the head of an army of five divisions of infantry,
supplemented by nine field batteries of the regular service,
36 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMA rXOX.
one of volunteers, besides two guns operating separately,
and seven companies of regular cavalry. In his in-
fantry columns were eight companies of regulai's and a
battalion of marines, an aggregate of thirty-five thousand
men.
Beauregard stood behind Bull Run with seven brigades,
including Holmes, who joined on the 19tli, twenty-nine
guns, fourteen hundred cavalry, — ^an aggregate of twenty-
one thousand nine hundred men, all volunteers. To this
should be added, for the battle of the 21st, reinforcements
aggregating eight thousand five hundred men, under Gen-
eral Johnston, making the sum of the aggregate, thirty
thousand four hundred.
The line behind Bull Run was the best between Wash-
ington and the Rapidan for strategy, tactics, and army
supplies.
Gteneral Beauregard gave minute instructions to his
brigade commanders of his position and general plan,
which in itself was admirable. Bonham was to retire
from Fairfax Court-House, as the enemy advanced, and
take his place behind Mitchell's Ford on the Centreville
and Manassas Junction road. It was proposed that he
should engage his rear-guard so as to try to bring on the
battle against him, as he approached his crossing of Bull
Run, when the brigades along the Run on his right
should cross, wheel to the left and attack on the enemy's
left and rear.
We had occasional glimpses behind the lines about
Washington, through parties who managed to evade the
eyes of guards and sentinels, which told of McDowell's
work since May, and heard on the 10th of July that he
was ready to march. Most of us knew him and of his
attainments, as well as of those of Beauregard, to the
credit of the latter, so that on that point we w^ere quite
satisfied. But the backing of an organized government,
and an army led by the foremost American war-chief, that
FROM NEW MEXICO TO MANASSAS. 37
consummate strategist, tactician, and organizer. General
Scott, together with the splendid equipment of the field
batteries, and the presence of the force of regulars of
infantry, gave serious apprehension.
On the 16th of July notice came that the advance of
McDoweirs army was under definite orders for the next
day. My brigade was at once ordered into position at
Blackburn's Ford, and all others were ordered on the alert.
Cocke's detachments were recalled to the fords between
Mitchell's and Stone Bridge, and Evans was left to hold the
bridge. Bonham withdrew from Fairfax Court-House as
McDowell advanced. He retired behind the Run at
Mitchell's Ford, his vedettes following after exchanging
shots with the enemy's advance on the 18th. Early that
morning a section of the Washington Artillery was posted
on a rear line behind Blackburn's Ford, and trailed across
towards the left, so as to flank fire against the direct
advance upon Bonham at Mitchell's Ford.
At eight o'clock a.m. on the 18th, McDowell's army
concentrated about Centreville, his immediate objective
being Manassas Junction. From Centreville the Warren-
ton Turnpike bears off a little south of west, crossing Bull
Run at Stone Bridge (four miles). The Manassas Junc-
tion road due south crosses at Mitchell's Ford (three
miles). Other farm roads turned to the fords above and
below Mitchell's. His orders to General Tyler, command-
ing the advance division, were to look well to the roads
on the direct route to Manassas Junction and via the Stone
Bridge, to impreas an advance upon the former, but to
have care not to bring on a general engagement. At the
same time he rode towards his left to know of the feasi-
bility of a turning move around the Confederates* right.
There were three moves by which it was supposed he could
destroy the Confederates, — first, by turning their right ;
second, by direct and forcible march to tlie Junction ;
third, by turning their left. McDowell's orders to his
38 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
leading divisions indicated that he had settled down to
a choice of one of the two flanking moves ; but to jus-
tify either he must first test the feasibility of the direct
route. The ride to his left disclosed rough ground, rocky
heights cut by streamlets, and covered by heavy forest
tangle, as formidable to military manoeuvres of raw troops
as armed battlements. According to preconceived plans,
this eliminated the question of the flanking move by the
Confederate right.
Under the instructions, as Greneral Tyler construed
them, he followed the Confederates to the heights of Cen-
treville, overlooking the valley of Bull Run, with a
squadron of cavalry and two companies of infantry.
From the heights to the Run, a mile away, the field was
open, and partially disclosed the Confederate position on
his right. On the left the view was limited by a sparse
growth of spreading pines. On the right was Mitchell's
Ford, on the left Blackburn's. To have a better knowl-
edge of the latter, he called up a brigade of infantry under
General Richardson, Ayres's battery of six field-guns, and
two twenty-pound rifle guns under Benjamin. The artil-
lery was brought into action by the twenty-pound rifle
guns, the first shot aimed at the section of the Washing-
ton Artillery six-pounders in rear of Blackburn's Ford,
showing superior marksmanship, the ball striking close
beside the guns, and throwing the dust over the limber
and gunners.
It was noticed that the enemy was far beyond our
range, his position commanding, as well as his metal, so I
ordered the guns withdrawn to a place of safety, till a
fairer opportunity was offered them. The guns were lim-
bered and off* before a second shot reached them. Artillery
practice of thirty minutes was followed by an advance of
infantry. The march was made quite up to the bluff* over-
looking the ford, when both sides opened fire.
The first pouring-down volleys were most startling to
FROM NEW MEXICO TO MANASSAS. 39
the new troops. Part of my line broke and started at a
run. To stop the alarm I rode with sabre in hand for the
leading files, determined to give them all that was in the
sword and my horse's heels, or stop the break. They
seemed to see as much danger in their rear as in front, and
soon turned and marched back to their places, to the evi-
dent surprise of the enemy. Heavy firing was renewed
in ten or fifteen minutes, when the Federals retired.
After about twenty minutes a second advance was made to
the top of the bluff, when another rousing fusillade fol-
lowed, and continued about as long as the first, with like
result. I reinforced the front line with part of my reserve,
and, thinking to follow up my next success, called for one
of the regiments of the reserve brigade.
Colonel Hays, of the Seventh Louisiana Regiment, was
sent, but was not in time for the next attack. He was in
position for the fourth, and did his share in that fight.
After the fourth repulse I ordered the advance, and called
for the balance of the reserve brigade. The Fourth Bri-
gade, in their drills in evolution, had not progressed as far
as the passage of defiles. The pass at the ford was narrow,
unused, and boggy. The lagoons above and below were
deep, so that the crossing was intricate and slow. Colonel
Early came in with his other regiments, formed his line
behind* my front, and was asked to hurry his troops to the
front line, lest the next attack should catch him behind
us, when his raw men would be sure to fire on the line in
front of them. He failed to comprehend, however, and
delayed till the next attack, when his men promptly re-
turned fire at anything and everything before them. I
thought to stop the fire by riding in front of his line, but
found it necessary to dismount and lie under it till the
loads were discharged. With the Federals on the bluff
pouring down their fire, and Early's tremendous fire in
our rear, soldiers and officers became mixed and a little
confused. Part of my men got neross the Run and partially
40 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
up the bluff of the enemy's side ; a body of the Union sol-
diers were met at the crest, where shots were exchanged,
but passing the Run, encountering the enemy in front, and
receiving fire from our friends in rear were not reassuring,
even in handling veterans. The recall was ordered as the
few of the enemy's most advanced parties joined issue
with Captain Marye of my advance. Federal prisoners
were brought in with marks of burnt powder on their
faces, and Captain Marye and some of his men of tlie
Seventeenth, who brought them in, had their faces and
clothing soiled by like marks. At the first moment of
this confusion it seemed that a vigorous pressure by the
enemy would force us back to the farther edge of the open
field, and, to reach that stronger ground, preparations
were considered, but with the aid of Colonels Garhuid and
Corse order was restored, the Federals were driven off, and
the troops better distributed. This was the last effort on
the part of the infantry, and was followed by the Federal
batteries throwing shot and shell through the trees above
our heads. As we were under the bluff, the fire was not
annoying, except occasionally when some of the branches
of the trees were torn off and dropped among us. One
shot passed far over, and dropped in the house in which
General Beauregard was about to sit down to his dinner.
The interruption so annoyed him that he sent us four six-
pound and three rifle guns of the Washington Artillery,
under Captain Eshleman, to return fire and avenge the
loss of his dinner. The guns had good cover under the
bluff, by pushing them as close up as would admit of
effective fire over it ; but under tactical formation the
limbers and caissons were so far in rear as to bring them
under destructive fire. The men, thinking it unsoldier-
like to flinch, or complain of their exposure, worked away
very courageously till the limbers and caissons were
ordered forward, on the right and left of the guns, to safer
cover. The combat lasted about an hour, when the Fed-
FROM NEW MEXICO TO MANASSAS. 41
erals withdrew to their ground about Centreville, to the
delight of the Confederates. After this lively affair the
report came of a threatened advance off to our right.
General Beauregard recalled Early's command to its posi-
tion in that quarter. He was ordered to march to the
right, under the bluff, so that his men could not come
within range of the batteries, but he chose to march back
on the road leading directly to the rear, when the dust of
his columns drew fire of a battery, and several damaging
shots were thrown among his troops. The Confederate
losses were sixty-eight ; Federal, eighty-three. The effect
of this little affair was encouraging to the Confederates,
and as damaging to the Federals. By the double action
of success and failure the Confederate infantry felt them-
selves christened veterans. The Washington Artillery
was equally proud of its even combat against the famed
batteries of United States regulars.
McDowell was disposed to ignore this fight as unwar-
ranted under his instructions, and not a necessary adjunct
of his plans. His course and that of the officers about
him reduced the aggressive spirit of the division com-
mander to its minimum, and had some influence upon the
troops of the division. For battle at this time McDowell
had 37,300* men and forty-nine guns. Beauregard had
20,500 1 men and twenty-nine guns.
* RebeUion Record, vol. il. p. 309. Leas two regiments and one
cavalry troop.
t General Beauregard claims that he was not so strong, but estimates
seem to warrant the number given.
CHAPTER III.
BATTLE OF MANASSAS, OR BULL RUN.
Commanders on both Sides generally Veterans of the Mexican War-
General Irvin McDowelPs Preconceived Plan— Johnston reinforces
Beauregard and apprt)ves his Plans — General Bernard E. Bee — Anal-
ysis of the Fight— Superb Work of the Federal Artillery— C'hristening
of "Stonewall Jackson^' — McDowell's Gallant Effort to recover Lost
Power— Before he was shorn of his Artlllerv he was the Samson of
the Field — The Rout— Criticism of McDowell— Tyler's Reconnolssance
—Ability of the Commanding Generals tested.
Before treating of future operations, I should note the
situation of the Confederate contingents in tlie Shenandoah
Valley and at Acquia Creek. The latter was ordered up
to reinforce Beauregard as soon as the advance from Wash-
ington took definite shape, and arrived as a supporting
brigade to his right on the 19th of July. At the same time
orders were sent authorizing Johnston's withdrawal from
the Valley^ to join with Beauregard for the approaching
conflict. The use of these contingents was duly consid-
ered by both sides some days before the campaign was put
on foot.
Opposing Johnston in* the Valley was General Robert
Patterson, of Philadelphia, a veteran of the war of 1812
and of the Mexican War, especially distinguished in the
latter by the prestige of the former service. Johnston
was a veteran of the Mexican War, who had won distinc-
tion by progressive service and was well equipped in the
science of war. Beauregard and McDowell were also
veterans of the Mexican War, of staff service, and dis-
tinguished for intelligent action and attainments, both
remarkable for physical as well as mental power.
Between Johnston and Beauregard the Blue Ridge
stretched out from the Potomac southwest far below the
42
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BATTLE OF MANASSAS, OR BULL RUX. 43
southern line of Virginia, cut occasionally by narrow
passes, quite defensible by small bodies of infantry and
artillery. Patterson was ordered to hold Johnston in the
Valley, while McDowell should direct his strength against
Beauregard. McDowell seems to have accepted that order
as not only possible, but sure of success, while the Con-
federates viewed the question from the other side, in a
revei*se light, and, as will presently appear, with better
judgment.
So far as it is possible to project a battle before reaching
the field, it seems that McDowell had concluded upon the
move finally made before setting out on his march from
Washington. It was to give him an open field, with
superior numbers and appointments, and when successful
was to give him the approach to the base line of his ad-
versary with fine prospects of cutting off retreat. His
ride to view the approaches of the Confederate right on
the morning of the 18th was made to confirm his precon-
ceived plan. The reconnoissance made by Tyler on the
same morning reinforced his judgment, so that the stra-
tegic part of the campaign was concluded on that morn-
ing, except as to the means to be adopted to secrete or
mislead in his movement as long as possible, leaving,
we may say, the result to tactical operations. But tactics
is time, and more decisive of results than strategy when
wisely adjusted.
Johnston was sixty miles away from Beauregard, but
the delay of three days, for McDowell's march via Sudley
Springs, so reduced the distance in time and space as to
make the consolidation easy under well-organized trans-
portation faoilities. Holmes's brigade and six-gun battery
were posted in rear of Ewell's brigade.
General McDowell's order for battle on the 21st of
July was issued on the afternoon of the 20th, directing his
First Division to march by the Warrenton Turnpike, and
make a divei'sion against the crossing of Bull Run at the
44 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Stone Bridge, while the Second and Third Divisions, fol-
lowing on the turnpike, were to file to the right, along
the farm road, about half-way between Centreville and
the bridge, cross Bull Run at Sudley Springs, and bear
down against the Confederate rear and left ; the First
Division, under Tyler, to march at two o'clock in the
morning, to be closely followed by the others under Hun-
ter and Heintzelman ; the turning divisions, after crossing,
to march down, clear the bridge, and lift Tyler over the
Kun, bringing the three into compact battle order.
General Johnston came in from the Shenandoah Valley
on the 20tli with the brigades of Bee, Bartow, and Jack-
son. The brigades were assigned by Beauregard, the
former two in reserve near the right of Blackburn's Ford,
the latter near its left.
Beauregard's order for battle, approved by General
Johnston, was issued at five a.m. on the 21st, — the brigades
at Union Mills Ford to cross and march by the road lead-
ing towards Centreville, and in rear of the Federal re-
serve at that point ; the brigades at McLean's Ford to
follow the move of those on their right, and march on a
converging road towards Centreville ; those at and near
Blackburn's to march in co-operative action with the
brigades on the right ; the reserve brigades and troops at
Mitchell's Ford to be used as emergency called, but in the
absence of special orders to seek the most active point of
battle.
This order was only preliminary, coupled with the con-
dition that the troops were to be held ready to move, but
to wait for the special order for action. The brigade at
Blackburn's Ford had been reinforced by the Fifth North
Carolina and Twenty-fourth Virginia Regiments, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Jones and Colonel Kemper. I crossed
the Run under the five o'clock order, adjusted the regi-
ments to position for favorable action, and gave instruc-
tions for their movements on the opening of the battle.
BATTLE OF MANASSAS, OR BULL RUN. 45
While waiting for the order to attack, a clever recon-
iioissauce was made by Colonels Terry and Lubbock,
Texans, on the brigade staff', which disclosed the march of
the heavy columns of the Federals towards our left.
Their report w^as sent promptly to head-quarters, and after
a short delay the brigade was ordered back to its position
behind the Run.
Tyler's division moved early on the 21st towards the
Stone Bridge. The march was not rapid, but timely.
His first shells went tearing through the elements over
the heads of the Confederates before six o'clock. The
Second and Third Divisions followed his column till its
rear cleared the road leading up to the ford at Sudley
Springs, when they filed off* on that route. McDow^ell
was with them, and saw them file off* on their course, and
followed their march. His Fifth Division and Richard-
son's brigade of the First were left in reserve at Centre-
ville, and the Fourth Division was left in a position far-
ther rearward. The march of the columns over the single
track of the farm road leading up to Sudley Springs was
not only fiitiguing, but so prolonged the diversion of
Tyler's division at the bridge as to expose its real intent,
and cause his adversary to look elsewhere for the impor-
tant work. Viewing the zone of operations as far as cov-
ered by the eye, Evans discovered a column of dust rising
above the forest in the vicinity of Sudley Springs. This,
with the busy delay of Tyler in front of the bridge, ex-
posed the plans, and told of another quarter for the ap-
proaching battle ; when Evans, leaving four companies of
infantry and two pieces of artillery to defend the bridge,
moved with the rest of his command to meet the ap-
proaching columns off* his left. Bearing in mind his care
of the bridge, it was necessary to occupy grounds north
of the pike. The position chosen w^as the plateau near
the Matthew^s House, about a thousand yards north of the
pike, and about the same distance from Bull Run, com-
46 FROM MAXAa«;AS TO APPOMATTOX.
mandiiTg the road by wliieli the turning divisions of the
enemy were to approach. His artillery (two six-pound
guns) was posted to his right and left, somewhat retired.
Meanwhile, Tyler's batteries maintained their position at
and below the Stone Bridge, as did those near the lower
fords. McDowelFs column crossed at Sudley's Ford at
nine o'clock, and approached Evans a few minutes before
ten. The leading division under Hunter, finding Evans's
command across its route, advanced the Second Rhode
Island Regiment and battery of six guns of Burnside's
brigade to open the way. Evans's infantry and artillery
met the advance, and after a severe fight drove it back *
to the line of woodland, when Burnside, reinforced by his
other three regiments, with them advanced eight guns.
This attack was much more formidable, and pressed an
hour or more before their forces retired to the woodland.
The fight, though slackened, continued, while the brigade
under Porter advanced to Burnside's support.
Waiting some time to witness the opening of his aggres-
sive fight towards Centreville, Beauregard found at last
that his battle order had miscarried. While yet in doubt
as to the cause of delay, his attention was drawn to the
fight opened by McDowell against Evans. This affair,
increasing in volume, drew him away from his original
point and object of observation. He reconsidered the
order to attack at Centreville, and rode for the field just
opening to severe work. The brigades of Bee and Bar-
tow,—commanded by Bee, — and Jackson's, had been
drawn towards the left, the former two near Cocke's posi-
tion, and Jackson from the right to the left of Mitchell's
Ford. They were to await orders, but were instructed,
and intrusted, in the absence of orders, to seek the place
where the fight was thickest. About twelve o'clock that
splendid soldier, Bernard E. Bee, under orders to find the
* In that attack the division commander, Gk^neral David Hunter,
was wounded.
BATTLE OF MANASSAS, OR BULL RUN. 47
point of danger, construed it as calling him to Evans's
support, and marclied, without other notice tlian the noise
of increasing battle, with his own and Bartow's brigades
and Imboden's battery. The move against the enemy's
reserve at Centreville suspended, Colonels Terry and Lub-
bock, volunteer aides, crossed the Run to make another
reconnoissance of the positions about Centreville. Cap-
tain Goree, of Texas, and Captain Sorrel, of Georgia,
had also joined the brigade staff. As Bee approached
Evans he formed line upon the plateau at the Henry
House, suggesting to Evans to withdraw to that as a better
field than the advance ground held by the latter ; but in
deference to Evans's care for the bridge, which involved
care for the turnpike, Bee yielded, and ordered his troops
to join Evans's advance. Imboden's artillery, however,
failed to respond, remaining on the Henry plateau;
leaving Bee and Evans with two six-pounder smooth-
bore guns to combat the enemy's formidable batteries of
eight to twelve guns of superior metal, as well as the ac-
cumulating superior infantry forces, Imboden's battery
making a show of practice with six-pounders at great
range. Bee's infantry crossed Young's Branch under
severe fire, and were posted on the line of Evans's battle.
Burnside was reinforced by Porter's brigade, and after-
wards by a part of Heintzelman's division. Ricketts's
battery, and subsequently the battery under Griffin,
pressed their fight with renewed vigor. The batteries,
particularly active and aggressive, poured incessant fire
upon the Confederate ranks, who had no artillery to en-
gage against them except Imboden's, far off to the rear,
and the section of Latham's howitzers. The efforts of the
Federal infantry were cleverly met and resisted, but the
havoc of those splendid batteries was too severe, par-
ticularly Griffin's, that had an oblique fire upon the
Confederates. It was the fire of this battery that first
disturbed our ranks on their left, and the increasing
48 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
pounding of tliat and Riekctts's eventually unsettled the
line. At this juncture two brigades of Tyler's division,
with General W. T. Hhernian and General Keves, crossed
the Run at a ford some distance above the bridge and
approached the Confederate right, making more unsettled
their position. At the same time the attacking artillery
and infantry followed up their opportunity in admiralde
style, pushed the Confederates back, and pursued dow^n to
the valley of Young's Branch.
At one P.M., Colonels Terry and Lubbock returned
from their reconnoissance of the ground in front of Cen-
treville, with a diagram showing points of the Union lines
and troops there posted. I sent it up to head-quarters,
suggesting that the brigades at the lower fords be put
across the Run, and advance against the reserves as de-
signed by the order of the morning. Colonel Terry re-
turned with the suggestion approved, and w^e communi-
cated the same to the brigades at McLean's and Union
]\Iills Fords, commanded by officers of senior dates to
myself. The brigades were prepared, however, for concert
of action. Bee, Bartow, and Evans made valorous efforts,
while withdrawing from their struggle on the Matthews
plateau, to maintain the integrity of their lines, and with
some success, when General Wade Hampton came with
his brigade to their aid, checked the progress of pursuit,
and helped to lift their broken ranks to the plateau at
the Henry House. The fight assumed proportions which
called for the care of both General Johnston and General
Beauregard, who, with the movements of their right too
late to relieve the pressure of the left, found it necessary
to draw their forces to the point at which the battle had
been forced by the enemy. At the same time the reserve
brigades of their right w^ere called to the left. General
Thomas J. Jackson also moved to that quarter, and
reached the rear crest of the plateau at the Henry House
while yet Bee, Bartow, Evans, and Hampton were climb-
BATTLE OF MANASSA?^, OR BULL RUN. 49
ing to tlie forward crest. Quick to note a proper ground,
Jackson deployed on the crest at the height, leaving the
open of the plateau in front. He was in time to secure the
Imboden battery before it got off the field, and put it into
action. Stanard's battery, Pendleton's, and Pelham's,
and part of the Washington Artillery were up in time to
aid Jackson in his new formation and relieve our dis-
comfited troops rallying on his flank. As they rose on
the forward crest. Bee saw, on the farther side, Jackson's
line, serene as if in repose, affording a haven so promising
of cover that he gave the christening of " Stonewall" for
the immortal Jackson.
" There," said he, " is Jackson, standing like a stone
wall."
General Johnston and General Beauregard reached the
field, and busied themselves in getting the troops together
and in lines of defence. Other reinforcements were or-
dered from the right, including the reserve brigades at
McLean's and Union Mills Fords, and a number of bat-
teries. Bee and Evans reformed their lines upon Jack-
son's. After permitting Burnside's brigade to retire for
rest, McDowell pushed his battle by his strong artillery
arm, advancing against and turning the Confederate left,
only giving some little time to select positions for his bat-
teries to plunge more effective fire into the Confederate
ranks. This time, so necessary for McDowell's renewal,
was ius important to the Confederates in getting their
reinforcements of infantry and artillery in position, and
proved of even greater value in lengthening out the fight,
so as to give Kirby Smith and Elzey, just off the train
from the Shenandoah Valley, time to appear at the last
moment.
After arranging the new position of the troops about
Jackson, General Johnston rode back to the Lewis House,
where he could better comprehend the entire field, leaving
Beauregard in charge of the troops engaged on his left.
50 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
McDowell gave e8j>eeial care to preparing his batteries
for renewal against the Confederate left. He massed
Rieketts's and Griffin's batteries, and made their practice
grand. So well executed was it that the Confederate left
was again in peril, and, seeing reinforcements approaching
towards their rear, General Johnston sent orders to the
brigades at the lower fords revoking authority given them
to advance against Centreville, and ordering their return
to the south side, and the brigade at Union Mills was
ordered to reinforce the Confederate left. The brigade at
Blackburn's Ford received the recall order in ample time,
but' that at McLean's, — Jones's, — being a little farther
away, became partially engaged before the recall reached
it. The brigades resumed their former position, however,
without serious trouble.
With this order came a message to me, saying that the
Federals wa-e pressing severely on our left, and to the
limit of its tension, that reinforcements were in sight,
approaching their right, which might prove too heavy for
our brave men, and force us back, for which emergency
our brigades should be held ready to cover retreat. These
anxious moments were soon relieved by the approach of
General Kirby Smith's command, that had been mistaken
as reinforcements for the enemy. General Smith was
wounded, but was succeeded in command by the gallant
Elzey, who by a well-timed attack approached the rear of
the massed batteries. At the same time a brave charge on
the part of Beauregard, in co-operation with this fortunate
attack of Smith and Elzey, captured the greater part of
the batteries and turned some of the guns upon the brave
men who had handled them so well.
McDowell made a gallant effi)rt to recover his lost
power, riding with his troops and urging them to brave
efforts, but our convex line, that he was just now pressing
back upon itself, was changed. Though attenuated, it
had become concave by reinforcement, and in elliptical
BATTLE OF MANASSAS, OR BULL RUN. 51
curve was delivering a concentrated fire upon its adver-
sary. Before the loss of his artillery he was the Samson
of the field ; now he was not only shorn of his power, but
some of his mighty strength was transferred to his adver-
sary, leaving him in desperate plight and exposed to blows
increasing in force and effectiveness. Although his re-
newed efforts were brave, his men seemed to have given
confidence over to despair. Still a show of battle was
made until General Johnston directed the brigades of
Holmes and Early to good positions for attack, when fight
was abandoned and flight ensued.
The regulars under Sykes maintained order, and with
the regular cavalry covered the confused retreat. The
Confederates in the field and approaching at the moment
were ordered in pursuit. At the same time another order
was sent the brigades at the lower fords, explaining that
the reinforcements, supposed to be Federals, proved to be
Confederates, and that the former were not only forced
back, but were then in full retreat, directing our brigades
to cross again and strike the retreating line on the turn-
pike. All of D. R. Jones's brigade that had crossed at
McLean's Ford under the former order had not yet
returned to its position under the order to that effect, and
Ewell had gone from Union Mills Ford to the battle
on the extreme left, so that neither of them came in posi-
tion ready to take part in the pursuit. Those at Mitchell's
and Blackburn's Fords advanced, the former, under Gen-
eral Bonham, with orders to strike at Cub Run, the latter
at Centreville. Finding some obstruction to his march.
General Bonham kept the Centreville road, and joined
the brigade from Blackburn's, taking the lead as the
ranking officer.
Through the abandoned camps of the Federals we found
their pots and kettles over the fire, with food cooking;
quarters of beef hanging on the trees, and wagons by the
roadside loaded, some with bread and general provisions,
52 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
others with ammunition. When within artillery range
of the retreating column passing through Centreville, the
infantry was deployed on the sides of the road, under
cover of the forest, so as to give room for the batteries
ordered into action in the open, Bonham's brigade on the
left, the other on the right.
As the guns were about to open, there came a message
that the enemy, instead of being in precipitate retreat,
was marching around to attack the Confederate right.
With this report came orders, or reports of orders, for the
brigades to return to their positions behind the Run. I
denounced the report as absurd, claimed to know a retreat,
such as was before me, and ordered that the batteries open
fire, when Major Whiting, of General Johnston's staff,
rising in his stirrups, said, —
" In the name of General Johnston, I order that the
batteries shall not open."
I inquired, " Did General Johnston send you to com-
municate that order ?"
Whiting replied, " No ; but I take the responsibility to
give it.
I claimed the privilege of responsibility under the cir-
cumstances, and when in the act of renewing the order to
fire. General Bonham rode to my side and asked that the
batteries should not open. As the ranking officer present,
this settled the question. By that time, too, it was near
night. Colonel G. W. Lay, of Johnston's staff, supported
my views, notwithstanding the protest of Major Whiting.
Soon there came an order for the brigades to withdraw
and return to their positions behind the Run. General
Bonham marched his brigade back, but, thinking that
there was a mistake somewhere, I remained in position
until the order was renewed, about ten o'clock. My bri-
gade crossed and recrossed the Run six times during the
day and night.
It was afterwards found that some excitable person, see-
BATTLE OF MANASSAS, OR BULL RUN. 53
ing Jones's brigade reerossing the Run, from its advance,
under previous orders, took them for Federal troops cross-
ing at McLean's Ford, and, rushing to head-quarters at the
Junction, reported that the Federals were crossing below
and preparing for attack against our right. And upon
this report one of the staff-officers sent orders, in the
names of the Confederate chiefs, revoking the orders for
pursuit.
From the effective service of the two guns of Latham's
battery, at short rangCy against the odds brought against
them, the inference seems fair that the Imboden battery,
liad it moved under Bee's orders, could have so strength-
ened the position on the Matthews plateau as to hold it and
give time for them to retire and meet General Jackson on
the Henry plateau. Glorious Victory spread her generous
wings alike over heroes and delinquents.
The losses of the Confederates in all arms were 1982.
Federal losses in all arms, 3333* officers and soldiers,
twenty-five cannon.f
On the 22d the cavalry troop of Captain Whitehead
was sent forward with Colonel Terry, volunteer aide, on a
ride of observation. They picked up a number of pris-
oners, and Colonel Terry cut the lanyards of the Federal
flag over the court-house at Fairfax by a shot from his
six-shooter, and sent the bunting to head-quarters.
The plan of the Union campaign was that their army in
the Valley of the Shenandoah, under General Patterson,
should stand so surely against the Confederates in that
field, under General Johnston, as to prevent the with-
drawal of the latter through the Blue Ridge, which goes
to show that the concentration was considered, and thought
possible, and that McDowell was, therefore, under some
pressure to act in time to gain his battle before Johnston
could have time for his swoop from the mountains. At
* RebeUion Record, vol. ii. pp. 351, 387, 406, 426.
t Ibid., 328.
54 FBOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Centreville on the 18th, McDowell was within five miles
of his immediate objective, — Manassas Junction, — by the
route of Tyler's reconnoissance. The Sudley Ford route
involved a march of twenty miles and drew him nearer
the reach of Johnston's forces. So, if Tyler's recon-
noissance proved the route by Blackburn's Ford practica-
ble, it was imperative on McDowell to adopt it. If it was
proved impracticable, the route by Sudley's Ford was
necessary and justified the delay. But it has been claimed
that the Union commander did not intend to have the
reconnoissance, and that he could have made his move a
success by that route if he had adopted it ; which, if true,
would put him in a more awkward position than his defeat.
He was right in his conclusion that the Confederates were
prepared for him on that route, but it would have been a
grave error to leave the shorter, more direct line for the
circuitous route without first so testing the former as to
know if it were practicable, knowing as he did that the
Confederate left was in the air, because of leaven looked
for from over the Blue Ridge. After the trial of General
Tyler on the 18th, and finding the route closed against him,
he should have given credit to the division commander
and his troops for their courageous work, but instead
he disparaged their efforts and put them under criticism.
The experiment and subsequent events go to show that
the route was not practicable except for seasoned troops.
McDowell's first mistake was his display, and march
for a grand military picnic. The leading proverb im-
pressed upon the minds of young soldiers of the line by
old commanders is, "Never despise your enemy." So
important a part of the soldier's creed is it, that it is
enjoined upon subalterns pursuing marauding parties of
half a dozen of the aborigines. His over-confidence led
him to treat with levity the reconnoissance of General
Tyler on the 18th, as not called for under his orders, nor
necessary to justify his plans, although they involved a
BATTLE OF MANASSAS, OR BULL RUN. 55
delay of three days, and a circuitous march around the
Confederate left. Then, he put upon his division com-
mander the odium of error and uncalled-for exposure of
the troops. This broke the confidence between them, and
worked more or less evil through the ranks in the after-
part of the campaign. Had he recognized the importance
of the service, and encouraged the conduct of the division
commander, he would have drawn the hearts of his officers
and soldiers towards him, and toned up the war spirit and
morale of his men. Tyler was right in principle, in the
construction of duty, under the orders, and in his more
comprehensive view of the military zodiac. In no other
way than by testing the strength along the direct route
could McDowell justify delay, when time was power,
and a long march with raw troops in July weather was
pending.
The delay gave Beauregard greater confidence in his
preconceived plan, and brought out his order of the 2l8t
for advance towards McDowell's reserve at Centreville,
but this miscarried, and turned to advantage for the plans
of the latter.
Had a prompt, energetic general been in command
when, on the 20th, his order of battle was settled upon,
the division under Tyler would have been deployed in
front of Stone Bridge, as soon after nightfall as darkness
could veil the march, and the divisions under Hunter and
Heintzelman following would have been stretched along
the lateral road in bivouac, so as to be prepared to cross
Sudley's Ford and put in a good day's work on the mor-
row. Had General Tyler's action of the 18th received
proper recognition, he would have been confident instead
of doubting in his service. McDowell's army posted as
it should have been, a march at daylight would have
brought the columns to the Henry House before seven
o'clock, dislodged Evans, busied by Tyler's display at the
bridge, without a chance to fight, and brought the three
56 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
divisions, reunited in gallant style, along the turnpike
with little burning of powder. Thus prepared and organ-
ized, the compact battle-order of twenty thousand men
would have been a fearful array against Beauregard's
fragmentary left, and by the events as they passed, would
have assured McDowell of victory hours before Kirby
Smith and Elzey, of the Army of the Shenandoah, came
upon the field.
Beauregard's mistake was in failing to ride promptly
after his five-o'clock order, and handling his columns
while in action. As events actually occurred, he would
have been in overwhelming numbers against McDowell's
reserve and supply de}X)t. His adversary so taken by
surprise, his raw troops would not have been difficult to
conquer.
As the experience of both commanders was limited to
staff service, it is not surprising that they failed to appre-
ciate the importance of prompt and vigorous manoeuvre
in the hour of battle. Beauregard gave indications of
a comprehensive military mind and reserve powers that
might, with experience and thorough encouragement
from the superior authorities, have brought him into
eminence as a field-marshal. His adversary seemed un-
toward, not adapted to military organization or combina-
tions. Most of his men got back to Washington under
the sheltering wings of the small bands of regulars.
The mistake of supposing Kirby Smith's and Elzey's
approaching troops to be Union reinforcements for Mc-
Dowell's right was caused by the resemblance, at a dis-
tance, of the original Confederate flag to the colors of
Federal regiments. This mishap caused the Confederates
to cast about for a new ensign, brought out our battle-flag,
led to its adoption by General Beauregard, and aft;erwards
by higher authority as the union shield of the Confederate
national flag.
The supplies of subsistence, ammunition, and forage
BATTLE OF MANASSAS, OR BULL RUN. 57
passed as we marched through the enemy's camps towards
Centreville seemed ample to carry the Confederate army
on to Washington. Had the fight been continued to that
point, the troops, in their high hopes, would have marched
in terrible effectiveness against the demoralized Federals.
Gaining confidence and vigor m their march, they could
well have reached the capital with the ranks of McDow-
ell's men. The brigade at Blackburn's Ford (five regi-
ments), those at McLean's and Mitchell's Fords, all quite
fresh, could have been reinforced by all the cavalry and
most of the artillery, comparatively fresh, and later by
the brigades of Holmes, Ewell, and Early. This favor-
able aspect for fruitful results was all sacrificed through
the assumed authority of staff-officers who, upon false re-
ports, gave countermand to the orders of their chiefs.
On the 21st a regiment and battery were discharged
from the Union army, reducing its aggregate to about
34,000. The Confederates had 31,860. McDowell crossed
Bull Run with 18,500 of his men, and engaged in battle
18,053 Confederates.
There seem to be no data from which the precise
figures can be had. These estimates, though not strictly
accurate, are justified by returns so far as they have been
officially rendered.
The Confederate Army in this battle was organized
as follows :
Army op the Potomac (afterwards called Army of Northern Vir-
ginia, First Corps), under Brig.-Gen. G. T. Beauregard \— Infant r if :
First Brigade, under Brig.-Gen. M. S. Boiihaui, 11th N. C, 2d, 3d, 7th,
aud 8th S. C. ; Second Brigade, Brig.-Gen. R. 8. Ewell, 5th and 6th Ala.,
6th La.; Third Brigade, Brig.-Gen. D. R. Jones, 17th and IStli Mi8u.,
5th 8. C. ; Fourth Brigade, Brig.-Gen. James Longstreet, 5th N. C, 1st,
11th, and 17th Va. ; Fifth Brigade, Col. P. 8t. George Cocke, Ist La.
Battn., 8th Va. (seven companies), 18th, 19th, 28th, and 49th Va. (three
companies) ; Sixth Brigade, Col. J. A. Early, 13th Miss., 4th 8. C, 7th
and 24th Va. ; Troops not brigaded: 7th and 8th La., Hampton Legion,
8. C, 30th Va. (cav.), Harrison's Battn. (oav.) ; Independent companies:
10th Cav., Washington (La.) Cav.; Artiiterij : Kemper's, Latham's,
Loudoun, and 8hield's batteries, Camp Pickens companies.
58 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Abmy of the Shenandoah (Johnston's division), Brig.-Gen.
Joseph E. Johnston i^Firat Brigctde^ Col. T. J. Jackson, 2d, 4th, 6th,
and 27th Va., Pendleton's Batt. ; Second Brigade^ Ck>l. F. 8. Bartow,
7th, 8th, and 9th Ga., Duncan's and Pope's Ky. Battus., Alburti's Batt. :
Third Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Bernard E. Bee, 4th Ala., 2d and 11th Miss.,
1st Tenn., Imboden's Batt. ; Fourth Brigade, CJol. A. Elisey, 1st Md.
Battn., 3d Tenn., 10th and 13th Va., Qrane's Batt; Not brigaded:
Ist Va. Cav., 33d Va. Inf.
The Federal Army, commanded by Brigadier-General
Irvin McDowell, was organized as follows :
First Division, Brig.-Gen. Daniel Tyler :—JF7r«< Brigade, Col. E.
D. Keyes, 2d Me., 1st, 2d, and 3d Conn. ; Second Brigade, Brig.-Gen.
R C. Schenck, 2d N. Y., Ist and 2d Ohio, Batt. E, 2d U. 8. Art. ; Third
Brigade, Col. W. T. Sherman, 13th, 69th, and 79th N. Y., 2d Wis.,
Batt. E, 3d U. S. Art.; Fourth Brigade, Col. I. B. Richardson, Ist
Mass., 12th N. Y., 2d and 3d Mich., Batt. G, 1st U. 8. Art., Batt. M,
2d U. 8. Art.
Second Division, (1) Col. David Hunter (wounded) ; (2) Col. Andrew
Porter :—-P*r«< Brigade, Col. Andrew Porter, 8th (militia), 14th, and
27th N. Y., Battn. U. 8. Inf., Battn. U. 8. Marines, Battn. U. 8. Cav.,
Batt. D, 5th U. 8. Art. ; Second Brigade, Col. A. E. Burnside, 2d N. H.,
Ist and 2d R. I., 71st N.Y.
Third Division, Col. 8. P. Heintzelmau (wounded) '.—First Brigade,
Col. W. B. Franklin, 5th and 11th Mass., 1st Minn., Batt. I, 1st U. 8.
Art. ; Second Brigade, Col. O. B. Wilcox (wounded and captured), 11th
N. Y. (Fire Zouaves), 38th N. Y., 1st and 4th Mich., Batt. D, 2d U. 8.
Art. ; Third Brigade, Col. O. O. Howard, 3d, 4th, and 5th Me., 2d Vt.
Fourth (Reserve) Division,* Brig.-Gen. Theodore Runyon, 1st,
2d, 3d, and 4th N. J. (three months), Ist, 2d, and 3d N. J., 41st N. Y.
(three years).
Fifth Division, Col. Dixon 8. Miles :—i^/r«< Brigade,^ Col. Louis
Blenker, 8th N. Y. (Vols.), 29th and 39th N. Y., 27th Penn., Batt. A,
2d U. 8. Art., Rookwood's N. Y. Batt. ; Second Brigade, Col. Thomas
A. Davies, 16th, 18th, 3l8t, and 32d N. Y., Batt. G, 2d U. 8. Art.
♦ Not engaged.
t In reserve at Centre ville and not in battle proper.
CHAPTER IV.
THE CONFEDERATES HOVERING AROUND WASHINGTON.
An Early War-Time Amenity— The Author invited to dine with the
Enemy— ** Stove-pipe Batteries**— J. E. B. Stuart, the Famous Cav-
alryman— His Bold Dash on the Federals at Lewlnsville — Major-
Gteneral G. W. Smith associated with Johnston and Beauregard in a
Council — Longstreet promoted Major-GJeneral— Fierce Struggle at
BalVs Bluff— Dranesville a Success for the Union Arms— McClellan
given the Sobriquet of " The Young Napoleon/*
After General McDowell reached Washington my
brigade was thrown forward, first to Centreville, then to
Fairfax Court-House, and later still to Falls Church and
Muiison's and Mason's Hills ; the cavalry, under Colonel
J. E. B. Stuart, constituting part of the command.
We were provokingly near Washington, with orders
not to attempt to advance even to Alexandria. Well-
chosen and fortified positions, with soldiers to man them,
soon guarded all approaches to the capital. We had fre-
quent little brushes with parties pushed out to reconnoitre.
Nevertheless, we were neither so busy nor so hostile as to
prevent the reception of a cordial invitation to a dinner-
party on the other side, to be given to me at the head-
quarters of General Richardson. He was disappointed
when I refused to accept this amenity, and advised him to
be more careful lest the politicians should have him ar-
rested for giving aid and comfort to the enemy. He was
a singularly devoted friend and admirer before the war,
and had not ceased to be conscious of old-time ties.
The service at Falls Church, Munson's and Mason's
Hills was first by my brigade of infantry, a battery, and
Stuart's cavalry. During that service the infantry and
batteries were relieved every few days, but the cavalry
was kept at the front w^itli me. As the authorities allowed
69
60 FROM MANAaSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
me but one batterv, and that was needed from time to
time to strike out at anything and everything that came
outside the fortified lines, we collected a number of old
wagon-wheels and mounted on them stove-pipes of differ-
ent calibre, till we had formidable-looking batteries, some
large enough of calibre to threaten xVlexandria, and even
the National Capitol and Executive Mansion. It is need-
less to add that Munson's Hill was so safe as not to disturb
our profound slumbers. This was before the Federals
began to realize all of their advantages by floating balloons
above our heads.
One of the most conspicuous and successful of our
affairs occurred on the 11th of September. A brigade of
the enemy's infantry, with eight pieces of artillery and a
detachment of cavalry, escorting a reconnoitring party,
advanced to Lewinsville. If they had secured and forti-
fied a position there they would have greatly annoyed us.
Colonel Stuart, who from the start had manifested those
qualities of daring courage, tempered by sagacity, which
so admirably fitted him for outpost service, had his pickets
so far to the front that he was promptly informed of the
presence of the enemy. He was ordered, with about
eight hundred infantry, a section of Rosser's battery, and
Captain Patrick's troop of cavalry, to give battle, and s<j
adroitly approached the enemy as to surprise him, and by
a bold dash drove him off in confusion, with some loss.
We had a number of small affairs which served to sea-
son the troops and teach the importance of discipline and
vigilance. It was while at Falls Church that Major-
General G. W. Smith reported for duty with the Army
of Northern Virginia, and was associated with General
Johnston and General Beauregard, the three forming a
council for the general direction of the operations of the
army. General McClellan had by this time been ap-
pointed to superior command on the Federal side.
Despairing of receiving reinforcement to enable him to
M)dStfflR?!Rr«
GENERAL J. E. 8. STUART.
CONFEDEKATE8 HOVERIXG AROUXD WASHINGTON. Gl
assume the offensive, General Johnston regarded it as
hazardous to hold longer the advanced post of Munson's
and Mason's Hills, drew the troops back to and near Fair-
fax Court-House, and later, about the 19th of October,
still farther to Centreville, and prepared for winter quar-
ters by strengthening his positions and constructing huts,
the line extending to Union Mills on the right. These
points were regarded as stronger in themselves and less
liable to be turned than the positions at and in advance
of Fairfax Court-House. We expected that McClellan
would advance against us, but were not disturbed. I was
promoted major-general, which relieved me of the out-
post service, to which Colonel Stuart was assigned.
The autumn and early winter were not permitted to
pass without some stirring incidents in our front. Soon
after the battle of July 21, Colonel Eppa Hunton was
ordered to reoccupy Leesburg with his regiment, the
Eighth Virginia. Later, the Thirteenth, Seventeenth,
and Eighteenth Mississippi Regiments were sent to the
same vicinity, and with the regiment already there and a
battery constituted the Seventh Brigade, Brigadier-General
N. G. Evans commanding. To cover a reconnoissance
and an expedition to gather supplies made by General
McCalPs division to Dranesville, General McClellan or-
dered General C. P. Stone, commanding at Poolesville,
Maryland, to make a demonstration in force against Lees-
burg, and, if practicable, to dislodge the Confederates at
that place. Early in the morning of the 21st of October
four of General Stone's regiments crossed the Potomac at
Edwards's Ferry, and about the same time five other regi-
ments, under the immediate command of Colonel Baker,
late United States Senator from Oregon, crossed the river
above at Ball's Bluff. Leaving Colonel Barksdale with
his Thirteenth Mississippi, with six pieces of artillery as
a reserve, to hold in check the force that had crossed
at Edwards's Ferry, Evans with his main force assailed
G2 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
the force under Colonel Baker, and after a long and fierce
struggle, under a heavy fire of batteries on both sides of
the river, drove them down the bluff to the river, many
surrendering, others plunging into the river to recross,
overcrowding and sinking the boats that had brought them
over ; some drowning in the Potomac.
Two months later, December 20, there was an affair at
Dranesville which for us was by no means so satisfactory
as Evans's at Leesburg and Ball's Bluff. It was known
that food for men and horses could be found in the
vicinity of Dranesville. All of the available wagons of
the army were sent to gather and bring it in, and Colo-
nel Stuart, with one hundred and fifty of his cavalry,
the Sumter Flying Artillery (Captain A. S. Cutts), and
four regiments of infantry detailed from different brigades,
was charged with the command of the foraging party.
The infantry regiments were the Eleventh Virginia, Colo-
nel Samuel Garland ; Tenth Alabama, Colonel Forney ;
Sixth South Carolina, Lieutenant-Colonel Secrest; and
First Kentucky, Colonel Thomas Taylor; the cavalry.
Ransom's and Bradford's.
General McCall, commanding the nearest Union di-
vision, happened just then to want those supplies, or, as
seems more probable, had information through a spy of
Stuart's expedition.
He took measures to gather the supplies, or surprise
and perhaps capture or destroy Stuart's party. However
that may be, when Stuart reached the vicinity of Dranes-
ville he found himself in the presence of General Ord,
who had under him his own brigade of five regiments of
infantry, Easton's battery, two twenty-four-pound how-
itzers and two twelve-pound guns, and two squadrons of
cavalry. Finding that he was anticipated, and that his
only way of saving the train was to order it back to
Centreville in all haste, Stuart decided to attack, in
order to give it time to get to a place of safety, and
CONFEDERATES HOVERIXG AROUND WASHINGTON. Go
despatched a detaclimeut of cavalry on the turnpike to-
wards Leesburg to warn the wagons to hasten back to
Centre ville, the cavalry to march, between them and the
enemy. He ordered his artillery and infantry to hasten to
the front, and as soon as they came up assailed the enemy
vigorously, continuing the engagement until he judged
that his wagon-train had passed beyond danger; then
he extricated his infantry and artillery from the contest,
with a much heavier loss than he had inflicted on the
enemy, leaving the killed and some of the wounded. It
was the first success that had attended the Union arms in
that quarter, and was magnified and enjoyed on that side.
This action advanced McClellan considerably in popular
estimation and led to the bestowal upon him, by some
enthusiast, of the sobriquet " the Young Napoleon."
During the autumn and early winter the weather had
been unusually fine. The roads and fields in that section
were generally firm and in fine condition for marching
and manoeuvring armies. With the beginning of the
new year winter set in with rain and snow, alternate
freezing and thawing, until the roads and fields became
seas of red mud.
As no eflfort of general advance was made during the
season of firm roads, we had little apprehension of trouble
after the winter rains came to make them too heavy for
artillery service.
CHAPTER V.
ROUND ABOUT RICHMOND.
The Defences of the Confederate Capital— Army of Northern Vir-
ginia at Centrevi lie— Aggressive Action— Council with the President
and Secretary of War— Mr. Davis's High Opinion of MeClellan—
Operations on the Peninsula — Engagements about Yorlctown and
Williamsburg — Severe Toil added to the Soldiers' Usual Labors by
a Saturated Soil.
Apropos of the attack upon Richmond, apprehended
in the winter of 1861-62, it should be borne in mind that
tliere were four routes supposed to be practicable for the
advance of the enemy :
1. The original route by Manassas Junction and the
Orange and Alexandria Railroad.
2. By crossing the Potomac near Potomac Creek, thence
by Fredericksburg to Richmond.
3. By land, — the shortest, — to go down the Potomac to
the Lower Rappahannock, landing at or near Urbana, and
thence march for the Confederate capital.
4. By transports to Fortress Monroe, thence by the
Peninsula, between the James and York Rivers.
General MeClellan 's long delay to march against Gen-
eral Johnston, when he was so near and accessible at Cen-
treville, indicated that he had no serious thought of
advancing by that route. To prepare to meet him on
either of the other routes, a line behind the Rapidan was
the chosen position.
General Beauregard had been relieved of duty in Vir-
ginia and ordered West with General A. 8. Johnston.
The withdrawal from Centreville was delayed some
weeks, waiting for roads that could be travelled, but was
started on the 9th of March, 1862, and on the 11th the
troops were south of the Rappahannock.
64
ROUND ABOUT RICHMOND. 65
General Whiting's command from Occoquan joined
General Holmes at Fredericksburg. Generals Ewell and
Early crossed by the railroad bridge and took positions near
it. Generals G. W. Smith's and Longstreet's divisions
marched by the turnpike to near Culpeper Court-House.
General Stuart, with the cavalry, remained on Bull Run
until the 10th, then withdrew to Warrenton Junction.
During the last week of March our scouts on the Poto-
mac reported a large number of steamers, loaded with
troops, carrying, it was estimated, about one hundred and
forty thousand men, passing down and out of the Poto-
mac, destined, it was supposed, for Fortress Monroe, or
possibly for the coast of North Carolina. We were not
left long in doubt. By the 4th of April, McClellan had
concentrated three corps (Tarmee between Fortress Monroe
and Newport News, on the James River. The Confed-
erate left crossed the Rapidan, and from Orange Court-
House made connection with the troops on the Rappahan-
nock at Fredericksburg. About the 1st of April, Generals
Johnston and G. W. Smith were called to Richmond for
conference with the War Department, leaving me in com-
mand. On the 3d I wrote General Jackson, in the Shen-
andoah Valley, proposing to join him with sufficient rein-
forcements to strike the Federal force in front of him a
sudden, severe blow, and thus compel a change in the
movements of McClellan's army. I explained that the
responsibility of the move could not be taken unless I
was with the detachment to give it vigor and action to
meet my views, or give time to get back behind the Rap-
idan in case the authorities ordered its recall.
I had been left in command on the Rapidan, but was
not authorized to assume command of the Valley district.
As the commander of the district did not care to have an
officer there of higher rank, the subject was discontinued.*
* Vide Qeueral Jackson's letters : BebeUion Record.
6
f50 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
General Joluiston, as.signe<l to the Department of the
Peninsula an<l Norfolk, made an inspection of his new
lines, and on his return recommended that they should be
abandoned. Meanwhile, his armv had been ordered to
Richmond. He was invited to meet the President to
discuss military affaii-s, and asked General G. W. Smith
and myself to go with him. The Secretary of War and
General R. E. I^ice were with the President when we met.
It was the first time that I had been called to such august
presence, to deliberate on momentous matters, so I had
nothing to say till called on. The views intended to be
offered were prefaced by saying that I knew General
McClellan ; that he was a military engineer, and would
move his army by careful measurement and preparation ;
that he would not be ready to advance before the 1st of
May. The President interrupted, and spoke of McClel-
lan's high attainments and capacity in a style indicating
that he did not care to hear any one talk who did not
have the same appreciation of our great adversary.
McClellan had been a special favorite with Mr. Davis
when he was Secretary of War in the Pierce administra-
tion, and he seemed to take such reflections upon his
favorites as somewhat personal. From the hasty inter-
ruption I concluded that my opinion had only been asked
through polite recognition of my presence, not that it was
wanted, and said no more. My intention was to suggest
that we leave Magruder to look after McClellan, and
march, as proposed to Jackson a few days before, through
the Valley of Virginia, cross the Potomac, threaten Wash-
ington, and call McClellan to his own capital.
At the time of McClellan's landing on the peninsula,
the Confederate army on that line was commanded by
Major-General J. Bankhead Magruder, and consisted of
eleven thousand men of all arms. The defensive line
was pitched behind the Warwick River, a sluggish stream
that rises about a mile south of Yorktown, and flows
ROUND AlUX'T RICIIMOXD. 07
south to its confluence with James River. The Warwick
WHS dammed at different points, thus flooding the inter-
vening low lands as far as Lee's Mills, where the river
spreads into marsh lands. The dams were defended by
batteries and rifle-trenches. The left rested at Yorktown,
which was fortified by continuous earthworks, strong
water and land batteries, and rifle-trenches reaching to
the right, connecting with those behind the Warwick.
Yorktown is on the right bank of York River, which
narrows at that point, with Gloucester Point on the oppo-
site bank. This point was also fortified, and held by a
strong garrison. On the south side of the James, near
its mouth. General Huger held Norfolk, fortified and
garrisoned by about ten thousand men, while the James
River floated the Confederate vessels " Virginia" (" Mer-
rimac"), "Yorktown," "Jamestown," and "Teaser."
McClellan's army, embarked from Alexandria and
moved by transports to the vicinity of Fortress Monroe,
as first collected, numbered one hundred and eight thou-
sand of all arms, including the garrison at Fortress
Monroe.
Magruder was speedily reinforced by a detachment
from Huger's army, and afterwards by Early's brigade
of Johnston's army, and after a few days by the balance
of Johnston's army, the divisions of G. W. Smith, D.
H. Hill, and Longstreet, with Stuart's cavalry. General
Johnston in command.
General McClellan advanced towards the Confederate
line and made some efforts at the dams, but it was gen-
erally understood that his plan was to break the position
by regular approaches. After allowing due time for the
completion of his battering arrangements, Johnston aban-
doned his line the night of May 3 and marched back
towards Richmond, ordering a corresponding move by the
troops at Norfolk ; but the Confederate authorities inter-
fered in favor of Norfolk, giving that garrison time to
68 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
withdraw its army supplies. The divisions of G. W.
Smith and D. H. Hill were ordered by the Yorktown
and Williamsburg road, Magruder's and Longstreet's by
the Hampton and Lee's Mill road, Stuart's cavalry to
cover both routes.
Anticipating this move as the possible result of opera-
tions against his lower line, Greneral Magruder had con-
structed a series of earthworks about two miles in front
of Williamsburg. The main work. Fort Magruder, was
a bastion. On either side redoubts were thrown up reach-
ing out towards the James and York Rivers. The penin-
sula is about eight miles wide at that point. College
Creek on the right flows into James River, and Queen's
Creek on the left into the York, both giving some de-
fensive strength, except at mill-dams, which were passable
by vehicles. The redoubts on the left of Fort Magruder
commanded the dam in Queen's Creek at Sanders's Pond,
but the dam in College Creek was beyond protection from
the redoubts.
The four redoubts on the right of Fort Magruder had
commanding positions of the fort.
Finding the entire line of intrenchments at Yorktown
empty on the morning of May 4, McClellan ordered pur-
suit by his cavalry under its chief, General Stoneman,
with four batteries of horse artillery, supported by
Hooker's division on the Yorktown road and W. F.
Smith's on the Hampton road.
They were followed on the Hampton road by Gen-
eral Heintzelman (Kearny's division), Third Corps, and
Couch's and Casey's divisions of Keyes's (Fourth) Corps,
Sumner's (Second) Corps on the Yorktown road. Near-
ing Williamsburg, the roads converge and come together
in range of field batteries at Fort Magruder. About
eight miles out from Yorktown, on the Hampton road,
Stuart, hearing of severe cavalry fight by the part of his
command on the Yorktown road, thought to ride across
ROUND ABOUT RICHMOND. 69
to the enemy's rear and confuse his operations, but pres-
ently found a part of the enemy's cavalry and a battery
under General Emory marching in his rear by a cross-
road from the Yorktown road. He formed and charged
in column of fours, gaining temporary success, but fell
upon the enemy's battery, and found Benson prompt in
getting into action, and in turn, with dismounted troopers,
drove him back, cutting his line of retreat and forcing
him off to the beach road along the James River. The
march of Emory's cavalry across to the Hampton road
misled Hooker's division to the same march, and that di-
vision, crowding the highway, caused Smith's division to
diverge by a cross-road, which led it over into the York-
town road. These misleadings delayed the advance on
both roads. Emory followed Stuart until the latter in
turn came upon strong grounds, where pursuit became
isolated and hazardous.
The removal of the Confederate cavalry from the
Hampton road left Hooker's march free of molestation.
But not advised of the opportunity, he took the precau-
tions usual on such occasions. His early approach, how-
ever, hurried the movements of the Confederate cavalry
on the Yorktown road, and let the enemy in upon us on
that road before we were advised of his approach.
General Johnston rode near the rear of his army to
receive despatches from his cavalry commander. General
Stuart wrote and sent them, but his couriers found the
enemy's cavalry in the way and returned to him. The
cavalry fight on the Yorktown road was also damaging to
the Confederates, and not reported to the commanding
general.
About four P.M., General Cook's cavalry and the horse
artillery under Gibson debouched from the woodlands on
the Yorktown road and began to examine the open ground
in front of the Confederate field-works. General Johns-
ton, who was at the rear, hurried Semmes's brigade of
70 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
McLaws's division into the nearest redoubts, and ordered
McLaws to call back another brigade. Kershaw was
ordered, and Manly's battery. The battery had to go at
a run to be sure of their cover in the redoubts. Another
battery was ordered by McLaws, who rode and took com-
mand. When Kershaw got to the fort, part of his men
were deployed in the wood beyond, to his left.
Meanwhile, the Federal cavalry was advancing, Gib-
son's horse artillery and Manly's Confederate battery were
in severe combat, the latter having the benefit of gun-
proof parapets. Observing the aj)proach of cavalry near
his left, McLaws ordered two of Manly's guns into Fort
Magruder, which, with the assistance of Kershaw^'s infan-
try, drove off that column. Some cavalry, riding near the
left redoubt with little concern, were first taken for Con-
federates, but the next moment were identified as Federals,
when the artillery was turned upon them, and, with the
Confederate cavalry, pushed them quite away. When the
left redoubt, commanding the dam at Sanders's Pond, was
occupied by a part of Kershaw's men, McCarthy's battery
came into action, and, with the assistance of others, gave
Gibson's battery, in the open, serious trouble. McLaws
ordered an advance of part of Semmes's brigade, led by
Colonel Cummings. This, with the severe artillery fire
from the redoubts and guns afield, cleared the open, leav-
ing one of Gibson's guns in the mud, which was secured
by McCarthy's men as a trophy of the day's work. Ten
horses had been sent back to haul the piece off, but the
mud was too heavy for them. Stuart, with the troo|iers
of his immediate following and his section of horse aitil-
lery, crossed College Creek near James River, and came
in after the action at the redoubts. Emory abandoned
the pursuit as not feasible, and bivouacked on the route.
Cavalry rencounters of the day w^re reported, in which
both sides claimed success. Stuart reported Lieutenant-
Colonel Wickham and four men wounded. Of th^ other
ROUND ABOUT RICHxMOND. 71
side, Cooke reported thirty-five killed, wounded, and miss-
ing. Gibson reported one ofl&cer and four men wounded,
and one gun abandoned. Emory reported two killed and
four wounded, and Sanders one ofl&cer wounded. But
most of the Federal losses were in the encounters at the
redoubts with the artillery and infantry.
The enemy's cavalry reported the redoubt on the Con-
federate left unoccupied, and Hancock's brigade (Smith's
division) was ordered forward to take it, but the woods
through which he marched were tangled and swampy, and
delayed him until night brought him to bivouac. Mean-
while, the Confederates who drove the cavalry from its
reconnoissance had occupied the redoubt.
The corps commanders Sumner, Heintzehnan, and
Keyes and the cavalry leader Stoueman were together
that night in conference. The highways, over flats but
little above tide-water, were saturated by the spring rains,
cut into deep ruts by the haul of heavy trains, and pud-
dled by the tramp of infantry and cavalry. The wood
and fallow lands were bogs, with occasional quicksands,
adding severest labor to the usual toils of battle. So no
plans were formed, further than to feel the way forward
when there was light to see.
The enemy got some of our men who were worn out
by the fatigue of the siege and the heavy march of the
night and day.
CHAPTEK VI.
THE BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG.
The Attack on Fort Magruder— Hancock occupies two Redoubts—The
Slaughter in Early's Brigade— The Fifth North Carolina Regiment
and Twenty-Fourth Virginia mercilessly exposed — A Hard-Fought
Engagement— A Confederate Victory— McClellan not on the Field
the Greater Part of the Day — Hancock called "The Superb" by
McClellan — Johnston pays High Tribute to Longstreet.
Before quitting his trenches at Yorktown, Johnston
anticipated a move of part of McClellan's army by trans-
ports to the head of York River, to cut his line of march
towards Richmond, and conceived it important to have a
strong force at that point in time to meet and check the
move. To that end he ordered Magruder to march at two
A.M. on the 5th of May with D. R. Jones's and McLaws's
divisions, to be followed by the divisions of G. W. Smith
and D. H. Hill ; Longstreet's division to cover the move-
ment of his trains and defend Stuart's cavalry in case of
severe pressure. Late in the afternoon of the 4th I was
ordered to send a brigade to the redoubts to relieve
McLaws's division. The brigades being small, I sent two,
R. H. Anderson's and Pryor's, with Macon's battery,
under Lieutenant Clopton, two guns under Captain Grar-
rett, and two under Captain McCarthy, to report to Gren-
eral Anderson, the senior brigadier. At the time it was
thought that the army would be on the marcli by daylight
in the morning, and that the rear-guard would closely
follow ; but after nightfall a down-pour of rain came,
flooding thoroughfares and by-ways, woodlands and fields,
so that parts of our trains were stalled on the ground,
where they stood during the night. It was dark when
Anderson joined McLaws, who had drawn his men to-
gether in readiness to join the advance march. Antici-
72
THE BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBUEG. 73
pating an early march himself, Anderson occupied Fort
Magruder and advanced his pickets so as to cover with
their fire the junction of the Yorktown and Hampton
roads. Heavy clouds and darkness settling down upon
him, he made no effort at a critical survey of the sur-
roundings ; while the steady rain through the night gave
signs of serious delay in the movements of the army, but
he little thought that by the delay he could be called
into battle. In the morning when time grew heavier he
was advised to call in the brigades near him, in case he
should need them, and instructions were sent them to
answer his call.
At daylight he occupied the redoubts on the right of
Fort Magruder, and two of those on the left. Two others
farther on the left were not seen through the rain, and no
one had been left to tell him of them or of the grounds.
The field in his front and far off on his right was open.
That in the immediate front had been opened by felling
trees. On his left were woodland and the swampy creek.
General Hooker's division of the Third Corps came to the
open on the Hampton road at seven a.m. of the 5th, and
engaged by regiments, — ^the First Massachusetts on his
left, preceded by a battalion of skirmishers ; the Second
New Hampshire on the right, in the same order ; Han-
cock's brigade of W. F. Smith's division of the Fifth
Corps threatening on the Yorktown road ; supported by
part of Davidson's brigade and artillery. After the ad-
vance of his infantry in the slashes, General Hooker, with
the Eleventh Massachusetts and Thirty-sixth Pennsyl-
vania Regiments of Grover's brigade, cleared the way for
communication with the troops on the Yorktown road,
and ordered Webber's six-gun battery into action towards
the front of the fallen timber. As it burst from the wood
our infantry and every gun in reach opened upon it a fire
so destructive that it was unmanned before it came into
practice. Volunteers to man the battery were called, and
74 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
with the assistance of men of Osborn's battery the guns
were opened. BramhalTs battery was advanced and put
into action on the right of Webber's, when the two poured
an unceasing fire against our troops about the fort and
redoubts. It was not very de^tructivis however, and wc*
thought to reserve the ammunition.
The Fifth New Jersey Regiment, of Patterson's brigade,
was added to the guard of the batteries, and the Sixth,
Seventh, and Eighth were deployed on the left in the
woodland. Anderson called up Wilcox's brigade, and
ordered it to his right, reinforced it by the men of Pryor's
brigade not needed at the forts, and presently called for
the brigades of A. P. Hill and Pickett, to further support
his right.
From the swelling noise of battle I concluded that it
would be well to ride to the front, and ordered the remain-
ing brigade (Colston's) and the batteries of Dearing and
Stribling to follow. Stuart sent his horse artillery under
Pelhara into the action on the open field.
Viewing the ground on the left, I thought it not so well
protected as Anderson conceived, and sent to D. H. Hill,
who was but little advanced on his march, for one of his
brigades. Early's was sent, to whose brigade were tem-
porarily attached the Florida regiment and a Mississippi
battalion. Anderson had left the fort, and was busy
handling the brigades engaged in the woods on the right.
Colston's was put in with the other brigades under Ander-
son, who afterwards called for another regiment. The
Florida regiment and the Mississippi battalion were sent.
Early, with his brigade, wiis posted on the field in rear of
our left.
When it became evident that the fight was for the day,
D. H. Hill was asked to return with the balance of his
division. Meanwhile, Hooker was bracing the fight on
his left. Emory reported to him with his cavalry and
light battery, but as his fight was in the wood, Emory was
THE BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG. 75
asked to reconnoitre on his extreme left. The fight grow-
ing in the wood, Grover drew off part of his brigade to
reinforce against it. The Seventy-second and Seventeenth
New York Regiments of Taylor's brigade were also sent ;
then the Seventy-third and Seventy-fourth New York
Regiments of the same brigade ; but the Confederates
gained ground gradually. They were, however, getting
short of ammunition. While holding their line, some of
the regiments were permitted to retire a little to fill their
cartridge-boxes from those of the fallen of the enemy and
of their comrades. This move was misconstrued into an
order to withdraw, and the line fell back a little. But the
mistake was rectified, and the ground that had been
abandoned was recovered.
Hooker ordered the Eleventh Massachusetts and
Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Regiments to the support of
the batteries, and the Second New Hampshire Regiment
to his left. Anderson, drawing his troops together near
the batteries, made a concentrated move upon them, and
cleared them of the gunners, securing four of Webber's
guns and forty horses. Just then he was reinforced by
Colston's brigade, the Florida regiment, and the Missis-
sippi battalion. General Stuart taking it that the enemy
was badly broken and in retreat, rode up with his cavalry,
insisting upon a charge and pursuit. As he did not
recognize authority except of the commander-in-chief, he
was cautioned that the break was only of the enemy's
front, that he would find reinforcements coming up, and
this he began to realize by the clearer ring of their muskets.
He speedily encountered them, but in time to get away
before meeting serious trouble. About three o'clock
Kearny's division arrived, and only a few minutes later
D. H. Hill's, of the Confederates. On the approach of
Kearny's leading brigades, one regiment was detached
from Berry's to reinforce Emory's Cavalry detachment on
their left. The other regiments were deployed, the Fifth
76 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Michigan across the road, the Thirty-seventh New York
on its left, one company of the New York regiment from
left to rear. Six companies of the Michigan regiment
were broken to the rear from its right as reserve, leaving
its forward battalion partly across the road, while that
in rear had three companies on the right and three on
the left, of the road. Two regiments of Birney's brigade
were deployed, the Thirty-eighth on the right of, and
the Fortieth across, the road, to relieve some of Hooker's
regiments. Then Peck's brigade of Couch's division
came, and was put in on the right, the One Hundred
and Second Pennsylvania and the Fifty-fifth New York
on the left, the Sixty-second New York in the wood, the
Ninety-third Pennsylvania on the left, and after a little
the Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania.
Before the reinforcements arrived for Hooker's relief,
Anderson had established his advance line of skirmishers,
so as to cover with their fire Webber's guns that were
abandoned. The Federal reinforcing columns drove back
his advance line, when, in turn, he reinforced, recovered
the ground, and met General Peck, who led the last rein-
forcing brigade. This advance was so firm that General
Peck found it necessary to put in his last regiment, the
Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania, but neither our force nor our
condition of march could warrant further aggressive work
of our right. General Couch, left in command on the
Federal left, posted his troops for the night, — General
Devens with the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment and
Second Rhode Island, General Palmer with two, and
General Keim with three other regiments, supporting
General Peck. General Peck's ammunition being ex-
hausted, his brigade was relieved by six of the new regi-
ments, and reported that " Every preparation was made to
resist a night attack." * On the Confederate side. General
^^ • ■—■■■■■■! I ..^M— ^^— ^— .^M^ I .■■■■■»■- » ■■ !■ I — P^^^ ■ I
* RebelUoD Record, vol. xl. part i. p. 521.
THE BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG. 77
Anderson reported his position safe to hold until the time
to withdraw for the march. About noon, General Han-
cock, in command of his own and Davidson's brigades in
front of our left, started with three of his own regiments
and two of Davidson's and the six-gun battery under
Lieutenant Carson in search of the unoccupied redoubts
in that quarter. He approached by the dam at Sanders's
Pond, passed the dam, and occupied one of the redoubts,
leaving three companies to guard a road crossing on the
right of his line of march. He put three companies of
infantry in the redoubt and advanced his regiments and
battery to the field in front. He then found another
redoubt not occupied, and posted three other companies in
it. He was reinforced by a four-gun battery under Cap-
tain Wheeler, which he posted in rear of his line of battle
and awaited developments. When the last engagement
on our right had calmed down to exchange of desultory
shots, D. H. Hill's division was waiting to know if Ander-
son ^vould need further support. Meanwhile, some of his
officers had made a reconnoissance in front of his ground,
and reported a route by which favorable attack could be
made upon the Federals at the redoubt under Hancock.
General Johnston had arrived at my head-quarters, near
Fort Magruder, when General Hill sent to report the
reconnoissance, and to ask that he be allowed to make a
move against Hancock, by Early's brigade. General
Johnston received the message, and referred the officer to
me. I ordered that the move should not be made, ex-
plaining that we were only fighting for time to draw off
our trams, that aggressive battle was necessary on our
right in order to keep the enemy back in the woodland
from the open, where, by his superior artillery and num-
bers, ho might deploy beyond our limits, and turn us out
of position ; that on our left there was no cause for appre-
hension of such action, and we could not risk being drawn
into serious delay by starting new work so late in the
78 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
day. Very soon General Hill rode over to report of the
opportunity : that he thought he could get through before
night, and would not be likely to involve delay of our
night march. General Johnston referred him to me. I
said, —
*The brigade you propose to use is not in safe hands. If you
will go with it, and sec^ that the troops are properly handled, you
can inake the attack, but don't involve us so as to delay the
march after night.'-
In a letter from General Hill, after the war, he wrote
of the fight by this brigade, —
**I cannot think of it, till this day, without horror. The
slaughter of the Fifth North Carolina Regiment was one of the
most awful things I ever saw, and it was caused by a blunder.
At your request, I think, I followe<l Early's brigade, following
the right wing.''
General Hill was in advance of the brigade with the
Fifth and Twenty-third North Carolina Regiments, Gen-
eral Early in rear with the Twenty-fourth and Thirty-
eighth Virginia Regiments. General Hill ordered the
advance regiments to halt after crossing a streamlet and
get under cover of the wood till the brigade could form ;
but General Early, not waiting for orders or the brigade,
rode to the front of the Twenty-fourth Virginia, and
with it made the attack. The gallant McRae, of the
Fifth North Carolina, seeing the Twenty-fourth Virginia
hotly engaged, dashed forward, nolens volenJi, to its relief.
The other regiments, seeing the confusion of movements
and of orders, failed to go forward. Part of my troops,
on Early's right, seeing that a fight was open on that part
of the field, started without orders to go to his relief, but
found the fight lost before they were engaged. After the
brigade was collected on its first position. General Johns-
ton rode to his head-quarters. At dark the Confederates
THK BATTLE OF WILLI AMSIUTRG. 79
were withdrawn aiul took up the line of march, the divi-
sion of D. H. Hill taking the rear of the column, Rains's
brigade the rear of the division. On his march, General
Rains found, in a broken-down ammunition-wagon, several
loaded shells, four of them with sensitive fuse primers,
which he placed near some fallen trees, cut down as ob-
structions. He afterwards heard that some of them were
tramped upon by the Federal cavalry and exploded.
The pursuit was not active, hardly annoying. The
roads were cut into deep mud by the trains, and the side-
ways by troops far out on either side, making puddles
ankle-deep in all directions, so that the march was slow
and trying, but giving almost absolute safe-conduct against
pui*suit, and our men were allowed to spread their ranks
in search of ground strong enough to bear them.
My estimate, made on the field, of the troops engaged
was. Confederate, 9000; Union, 12,000. The casualties
of the engagement were. Confederate, 1565 aggregate ; *
Federal, 2288 aggregate.f
General McClellan was at Yorktown during the greater
part of the day to see Franklin's, Sedgwick's, and Rich-
ardson's divisions aboard the transports for his proposed
flanking and rear move up York River, but upon re-
ceiving reports that the engagement at Williamsburg was
growing serious and not satisfactory, he rode to the battle,
and called the divisions of Sedgwick and Richardson to
follow him.
The object of the battle was to gain time to haul our
trains to places of safety. The effect, besides, was to call
two of the divisions from their flanking move to support
the battle, and this so crippled that expedition that it
gave us no serious trouble. The trophies of the battle
were with the Confederates, and they claim the honor to
inscribe Williamsburg upon their battle-flags.
• Rebellion Record, vol. xi. part i. p. 568.
t Ibid. p. 450.
80 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
The success of General Hancock in holding his position
in and about the forts with five regiments and two bat-
teries against the assault of the Fifth North Carolina and
Twenty-fourth Virginia Regiments was given heroic pro-
portions by his chief, who christened him " The Superb/'
to relieve, it is supposed, by the picturesque figure on his
right, the discomfiture of his left. But, reading between
the lines, the highest compliment was for the two Con-
federate regiments.
In his official account, General Johnston said, —
^' The action gradually increased in magnitude until about three
o'clock, when General Longstreet, conunanding the rear, re-
quested that a part of Major-General HilPs troops might be sent to
his aid. Upon this I rode upon the field, but found myself com-
pelled to be a spectator, for General Longstreet' s clear head and
brave heart left no apology for interference. '^
Franklin's division was taken by transports to the
mouth of Pamunkey River, and was supported by the
navy. On the 7th a brigade of Sedgwick's division joined
Franklin. On the same day, Johnston's army was col-
lected near Barhamville. General Wliiting, with Hood's
brigade and part of Hampton's, engaged the advance of
Franklin's command and forced it back. This cleared
our route of march towards Richmond, Smith's and Ma-
gruder's divisions by the road to New Kent Court-House,
Hill's and Longstreet's nearer the Chickahominy.
General McClellan's plans were laid according to strict
rules of strategy, but he was not quick or forcible in
handling his troops at Williamsburg or Barhamville.
CHAPTEK VII.
SEVEN PINES, OR FAIR OAKS.
A New Line of Defence— Positions of the Confronting Armies— Fitz-
John Porter— Terrific Storm on the Eve of Battle — General John-
ston's Orders to Longstreet, Smith, and Huger — Lack of Co-operation
or? the Confederate Side, and Ensuing Confusion— Fatalities among
Confederate Oflftcers — Kearny's Action— Serious Wounding of Gen-
eral Johnston at the Close of the Battle— Summary and Analysis of
Losses.
On the 9th of May the Confederate army waa halted,
its right near Long Bridge of the Chickahominy River ;
its left and cavalry extending towards the Pamunkey
through New Kent Court-House. On the 11th the com-
mander of the Confederate ram " Virginia" (" Merrimac"),
finding the water of James River not sufficient to float her
to the works near Richmond, scuttled and sank the ship
where she lay.
On the 15th the Federal navy attacked our works at
Chapin's and Drury's Bluffs, but found them too strong
for water batteries. That attack suggested to General
Johnston that he move nearer Richmond to be in position
to lend the batteries assistance in case of need. He crossed
the Chickahominy, his right wing at Long Bridge, his left
by Bottom's Bridge, and took position from Drury's Bluff
on his right, to the Mechanicsville turnpike, with his in-
fantry, the cavalry extending on the left and front to the
lower Rappahannock and Fredericksburg. The right
wing, D. H. Hiirs and Longstreet's divisions, under
Longstreet, from James River to Whit« Oak Swamp ; the
left under G. W. Smith. Smith's division and Magruder's
command from White Oak Swamp, extending thence to
the Mechanicsville pike, with Jackson a hundred miles
away in the Shenandoah Valley.
6 81
82 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
After careful study of the works and armaments at
Drury's Bluff, I ventured the suggestion that we recross
the Chiekahomhiy at Mechanicsville and stand behind
Beaver Dam Creek, prepared against McClellan's right
when he should be ready to march towards Richmond,
and call him to relieve his flank before crossing the river.
Although the country between McClellan's landing on
the Pamunkey to the Chickahominy w^as free of all ob-
stacles on the loth of May, the head of his advance did
not reach the banks of the latter river till the 2l8t. On
the 16th he established his permanent depot at the White
House, on the Pamunkey, and organized two provisional
army corps, — the Fifth, of Fitz-John Porter's division,
and Sykes'.s, under command of Porter; the Sixth, of
Franklin's and W. F. Smith's divisions, under Franklin.
On the 26th the York River Riiilroad as far as the bridge
across the Chickahominy was repaired and in use. This,
with other bridges, was speedily repaired, and new bridges
ordered built at such points as should be found necessary
to make free communication between the posts of the
army.
On the 24th parties were advanced on the Williamsburg
road as far as Seven Pines, where a spirited affair occurred
between General Naglee's forces and General Hatton's
brigade, the latter withdrawing a mile and a half on the
Williamsburg road. At the same time two other parties
of Federals were sent up the left bank, one under General
Davidson, of the cavalry, with artillery and infantry sup-
ports, as far as Mechanicsville, where he encountered and
dislodged a Confederate cavalry force under Colonel B. H.
Robertson and occupied the position. The third party,
under Colonel Woodbury, the Fourth Michigan Infantry
and a squadron of the Second United States Cavalry,
moved up to New Bridge, where the Fifth Louisiana,
Colonel Hunt, of Semmes's brigade, was on picket. Find-
ing the bridge well guarded, a party, conducted by Lieu-
SEVEX PIXES, on PAIR OAKS. 83
tenant Bowen, Topographical Engineers, marched up the
river, concealing their movements, crossed to the west
bank, and, passing down, surprised the Fifth Louisiana,
threw it into disorder, and gained position on the west
side.
Pleased at these successes. General McClellan sent a
sensational despatch to the President. His position thus
masked, rested his right upon Beaver Dam Creek, a stream
that flows from the height between the Cliickahominy and
Pamunkey Rivers south to its confluence with the former
a few hundred yards below Mechanicsville Bridge. Its
banks are scarped, about six feet high, and eight feet
apart, making a strong natural ditch for defensive works.
On commanding ground south of the creek admirably
planned field-works were soon constructed, which made
that flank unassailable. Two miles out from the river the
creek loses its value as a defensive line. From Beaver
Dam the line was extended down the river to New Bridge,
where it crossed and reached its left out to White Oak
Swamp, and there found as defensible guard as the right
at Beaver Dam Creek. The swamp is about a quarter of
a mile wide at the left, and down to the Chickahominy
studded with heavy forest-trees, always wet and boggy,
but readily forded by infantry, and at places by cavalry.
Near the middle of the line, back from New Bridge,
was Stoneman's cavalry. Fitz-John Porter's corps (Fifth)
was posted at Beaver Dam Creek, Franklin's (Sixth) two
miles lower down, Sumner's (Second) near the middle
of the line, about three miles from the river. The Third
and Fourth Corps were on the south side, Kearny's
division of the Third at Savage Station of the York
River Railroad, Hooker's division at White Oak Swamp
Bridge, with entrenched lines. The Fourth Corps was
posted on the Williamsburg road. Couch's division about
a mile in advance of Hooker's, of the Third, at the
junction of the Nine Miles road, entrenched, and field
84 FROM MANASSAS TO ArPOMATTOX.
of abatis ; Casey's division of the Third half a mile m
advance of Couch's, entrenched, and field of abatis. The
point occupied by Couch's division is known as Seven
Pines. His advanced picket-guard on the Nine Miles
road was at Fair Oaks Station of the York River
Railroad.
The line, which was somewhat concave towards Rich-
mond, was strengthened at vulnerable points by field-
works. General Sumner was senior of the corps com-
manders, and in command of the right wing ; General
Heintzelman, the senior of the south side, was in com-
mand of the left wing. The Chickahominy is a hundred
feet wide as far up as Mechanicsville Bridge, but narrows
above to forty and thirty. Along the line of McClellan's
deployment its course was through lowlands of tangled
w^oods that fringe its banks, the valley seldom more than a
hundred yards wide. Artillery was posted to command
all bridges and those ordered for construction. On
tlie 26th, General McClellan ordered General Fitz-John
Porter to organize a force to march against a Confederate
outpost near Hanover Court-House. Porter took of Mo-
rell's division three brigades, — Martindale's, Butterfield's,
and McQuade's, — Berdan's Sharp-shooters and three bat-
teries, two regiments of cavalry under General Emory,
and Benson's horse battery ; Warren's brigade to march
up the right bank of the Pamunkey in connection with
operations projected for the fighting column. Porter was
the most skilful tactician and strongest fighter in the Fed-
eral army, thoroughly trained in his profession from boy-
hood, and of some experience in field work.
The Confederate outpost was commanded by Brigadier-
General L. O'B. Branch, six regiments of infantry, one
battery, under Captain Latham, and a cavalry regiment,
under Colonel Robertson. General Branch was a briga-
dier from civil life. The result of the affair was the dis-
comfiture of General Branch, with the loss of one gun
SEVEN PINES, OR FAIR OAKS. 85
and about seven hundred prisoners. Losses in action, not
including prisoners : Confederates, 265 ; Federals, 285.
A. P. Hill was promoted to major-general, and assigned
to command of a division at that outpost and stationed at
Ashland.
On the 27th, General Johnston received information
that General McDowell's corps was at Fredericksburg,
and on the march to reinforce McClellan's right at
Mechanicsville. He prepared to attack McClellan before
McDowell could reach him. To this end he withdrew
Smith's division from the Williamsburg road, relieving it
by the division of D. H. Hill ; withdrew Longstreet's
division from its position, and A. P. Hill's from Ashland.
The fighting column was to be under General G. W.
Smith, his next in rank, and General Whiting was as-
signed command of Smith's division, — the column t^)
consist of A. P. Hill's, Whiting's, and D. R. Jones's di-
visions. The latter was posted between the Mechanics-
ville pike and Meadow Bridge road. A. P. Hill was to
march direct against McClellan's outpost at Mechanics-
ville, Whiting to cross the river at Meadow Bridge, and
D. R. Jones at Mechanicsville, thus completing the column
of attack on the east side.
I was to march by the Mechanicsville road to the vi-
cinity of the bridge, and to strike down against the Fed-
eral right, west of the river, the march to be made during
the night ; D. H. Hill to post a brigade on his right on
the Charles City road to guard the field to be left by. his
division, as well as the line left vacant by Longstreet's
division.
At nightfall the trpops took up the march for their
several assigned positions. Before dark General Johns-
ton called a number of his oflScers together for instruc-
tions,— viz., Smith, Magruder, Stuart, and Longstreet.
When we were assembled. General Johnston announced
later information : that McDowell's line of march had
86 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
been changed, — that he was going north. Following the
report of this information, General Smith proposed that
the i)lan for battle should be given up, in view of the very
strong ground at Beaver Dam Creek.* I urged that the
plan laid against the concentrating columns was made
stronger by the change of direction of McDowell's col-
umn, and should suggest more prompt and vigorous pros-
ecution. In this Magruder and Stuart joined me. The
proB and cons were talked over till a late hour, when at
last General Johnston, weary of it, walked aside to a sepa-
rate seat. I took the opportunity to draw near him, and
suggested that the Federal position behind Beaver Dam
Creek, so seriously objected to by General Smith, could be
turned by marching to and along the high ground be-
tween the Chickahominy and Pamunkey Rivers ; that
the position of the enemy when turned would be aban-
doned without a severe struggle, and give a fair field for
battle ; that we should not lose the opportunity to await
another possible one.
General Johnston replied that he was aware of all that,
but found that he had selected the wrong officer for the
work. This ended the talk, and I asked to be allowed to
halt my columns as soon as possible. The other move-
ments were arrested, except that of A. P. Hill's division,
which was ordered to continue its march, cross the Chick-
ahominy at Meadow Bridge, and take position between
the Meadow Bridge road and the Brooke turnpike. The
counter-order reinstated my command of the right wing,
including D. H. Hill's division on the Williamsburg road
and extending to the York River Railroad. Before
leaving the conference, I announced that we would fight
on the Williamsburg road if we had to find the enemy
through bayous.
The order to halt the columns found Smith's division
• Smithes War Papers.
SEVEN FIXES, OR FAIR OAKS. 87
between the Mechanicsville and Meadow Bridge roads,
Longstreet's near the city at the Nine Miles road ; D. R.
Jones had not moved.
On the 29th and 30th, General D. H. Hill sent out
reconnoitring parties on the Williamsburg and Charles
City roads. On the 30th he received a fair report of
Casey's intrenched camp, and the probable strength and
extent of the line of his skirmishers reaching out his
left front to White Oak Swamp. On the 29th, General
Johnston wrote General Whiting, commanding Smith's
division, giving notice of a reconnoissance ordered by
General Hill, cautioning the former that his division
should be drawn towards the right, to be in better position
for support of a battle of his right, and adding, —
''Who knows but that in the course of the morning Long-
street's scheme may accomplish itself! If we get into a fight
here, you will have to hurry to help us.''
The report of General D. H. HilFs reconnoissance of
the 30th was forwarded to head-quarters. I followed it,
and found General Johnston ready to talk over plans for
battle. General Huger had reported with three of his
brigades, and was in camp near the outskirts of Richmond
on Gillis Creek. The plan settled upon was that the
attack should be made by General D. H. Hill's division
on the Williamsburg road, supported by Longstreet's divi-
sion. Huger's division, j ust out of garrison duty at Norfolk,
was to march between Hill's right and the swamp against
the enemy's line of skirmishers, and move abreast of the
battle ; G. W. Smith's division, under Whiting, to march
by the Gaines road to Old Tavern, and move abreast of
the battle on its left. The field before Old Tavern was
not careftJly covered by the enemy's skirmishers north of
Fair Oaks, nor by parties in observation.
Experience during the discussion of the battle ordered
for the 28th caused me to doubt of eflfective work from the
88 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
troops ordered for the left flank, but the plan seemed so
simple that it was thought impossible for any one to go
dangerously wrong ; and General Johnston stated that he
would be on that road, the better to receive from his troops
along the crest of the Chickahominy information of move-
ments of the enemy on the farther side of the river, and
to look to the co-operation of the troops on the Nine Miles
road.
To facilitate marches, Huger's division was to have the
Charles City road to the head of White Oak Swamp, file
across it and march down its northern margin ; D. H. Hill
to have the Williamsburg road to the enemy's front;
Longstreet's division to march by the Nine Miles road
and a lateral road leading across the rear of General Hill
on the Williamsburg road ; G. W. Smith by the Gaines
road to Old Tavern on the Nine Miles road.
The tactical handling of the battle on the Williamsburg
road was left to my care, as well as the general conduct
of affairs south of the York River Railroad, the latter
line being the left of the field to which I had been as-
signed, the right wing.
While yet affairs were under consideration, a terrific
storm of vivid lightning, thunderbolts, and rain, as severe
as ever known to any climate, burst upon us, and con-
tinued through the night more or less severe. In the first
lull I rode from General Johnston's to my head-quarters,
and sent orders for early march.
For a more comprehensive view of affairs as ordered, it
may be well to explain that General Johnston ordered
Smith's division by the Gaines road, so that, in case of
delay of its march, McLaws's division, on that road and
nearer the field of proposed action, could be brought in to
the left of the battle, leaving the place of his division to
be occupied by Smith's, when the latter reached McLaws's
vacated line. There was, therefore, no reason why the
ordei's for march should be misconstrued or misapplied.
SEVEN PINES, OR FAIR OAKS. 89
I was with General Johnston all of the time that he was
engaged in planning and ordering the battle, heard every
word and thought expressed by him of it, and received
his verbal orders ; Generals Huger and Smith nis written
orders.
General Johnston's order to General Smith was :
'* Head-quarters Department of Northern Virginia,
''May 30, 9.15 p.m.
"Major-General G. W. Smith:
''General, — If nothing prevents, we will fall upon the enemy
in front of Msgor-General Hill (who occupies the position on the
Williamsburg road from which your troops moved to the neigh-
borhood of Meadow Bridge) early in the morniug, as eai'ly as
practicable. The Chickahominy will be passable only at the
bridge, a great advantage to us. Please be ready to move by the
Gaines road, coming as early as possible to the point at which
the road to New Bridge turns off. Should there be cause for
haste, Mjyor-General McLaws, on your approach, will be ordered
to leave his ground for you, that he may reinforce Greneral Long-
street.
"Most respectfully your obedient servant,
"J. E. Johnston." *
General Johnston's order for General Huger read :
"Head-quarters Department of Northern Virginia,
"May 30, 1862, 8.30 p.m.
"Major-General Huger :
"General,— The reports of Msgor-Greneral D. H. Hill give
me the impression that the enemy is in considerable strength in
his front. It seems to me necessary that we should increase our
force also ; for that object I wish to concentrate the troops of your
division on the Charles City road, and to concentrate the troops
of M^'or-General Hill on the Williamsburg road. To do this it
will be necessary for you to move, as early in the morning as pos-
sible, to relieve the brigade of Greneral Hill's division now on the
Charles City road. I have desired Greneral Hill to send you a
guide. The road is the second large one diverging to the right
^BebeUloo Record, vol. xi. part ill. p. 563.
90 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
from the Williamsburg road. The first turus oft* near the toll-
gate. On reaehing your position on the Charles City road, learn
at once the route to the main roads, U) Richmond on your right
and left, especially thcxse to the left, and try to find guides. Be
ready, if an action should begin on your left, to fall upon the
enemy's left flank.
^'Most respectfully your obedient servant,
'^ J. E. Johnston.
"P.S. — It is necessary to move very early." *
The Nine Miles road takes the name from the distance
by that road from Richmond to Seven Pines. The Wil-
liamsburg road to the same point wits sometimes called the
Seven Miles road, because of the distance by that road to
Seven Pines.
As expressed and repeated in his orders, General John-
ston's wish was to have the battle pitched as early as
practicable. When his orders were issued, he Avas under
the impression that I would be the ranking officer on
the right of the York Railroad, and would give detailed
instructions to govern the later operations of Huger's
troops.
Subsequent events seem to call for mention just here
that General Smith, instead of moving the trooj^s by the
route assigned them, marched back to the Nine Miles
road near the city, rode to Johnston's head-quarters about
six in the morning, and reported that he was with the di-
vision, but not for the purpose of taking command from
General Whiting. As General Johnston did not ciire to
order him back to his position as commander of the left
wing, he set himself to Avork to make trouble, complained
that my troops were on the Nine Miles road in the way of
his march, and presently complained that they had left
that road and were over on the Williamsburg road, and
induced General Johnston to so far modify the plans as to
* Bebellion Record, vol. xi. part i. p. 938.
SEVEN PINES, OR FAIR OAKS. 91
order three of my brigades down the Nine Miles road to
the New Bridge fork.
The order was sent by Lieutenant Washington, of
Johnston's staff, who, unused to campaigning, failed to
notice that he was not riding on my line of march, and
rode into the enemy's lines. This accident gave the
enemy the first warning of approaching danger ; it Avas
misleading, however, as it caused General Keyes to look
for the attack by the Nine Miles road.
The storms had flooded the flat lands, and the waters as
they fell seemed Aveary of the battle of the elements, and
inclined to have a good rest on the soft bed of sand which
let them gently down to the substratum of clay ; or it
may have been the purpose of kind Providence to so in-
termix the upper and lower strata as to interpose serious
barriers to the passing of artillery, and thus break up the
battle of men.
My march by the Nine Miles and lateral roads leading
across to the Williamsburg road was interrupted by the
flooded grounds about the head of Gillis Creek. At the
same time this creek was bank full, w^here it found a chan-
nel for its flow into the James. The delay of an hour to
construct a bridge was preferred to the encounter of more
serious obstacles along the narrow lateral road, flooded by
the storm. As we were earlier at the creek, it gave us
precedence over Huger's division, which had to cross after
us. The division was prepared with cooked rations, had
wagons packed at six o'clock, and rested in the rear of
General Hill's at nine a.m.
Meanwhile, General G. W. Smith's division had
marched by the Nine Miles road and w^as resting near
the fork of the New Bridge road at Old Tavern. Upon
meeting Greneral Huger in the morning, I gave him a
succinct account of Gteneral Johnston's plans and wishes ;
after which he inquired as to the dates of our commissions,,
which revealed UttjjtMHL ^^ ranking officer, when I
92 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX-
suggested that it was only necessary for him to take com-
mand and execute the orders. This he declined. Then
it was proposed that he should send two of his brigades
across to join on the right of the column of attack, while he
could remain with his other brigade, which was to relieve
that of General Hill on the Charles City road. Though
he expressed himself satisfied with this, his manner was
eloquent of discontent. The better to harmonize, I pro-
posed to reinforce his column by three of my brigades, to
be sent under Greneral Wilcox, to lead or follow his di-
vision, as he might order. Under this arrangement it
seemed that concert of action was assured. I gave es-
pecial orders to General Wilcox to have care that the head
of his column was abreast the battle when it opened, and
rode forward to join General Hill, my other three bri-
gades advancing along the Williamsburg road.
Opposing and in the immediate front of General Hill
was the division of General Casey, of the Fourth (Reyes's)
Corps. The division stood in an intrenched camp across
the Williamsburg road, with a pentagonal redoubt (un-
finished) on the left of his line. Half a mile in rear of
Casey's division was that of Couch, of the same corps,
behind a second trenched line, at its junction of the
Nine Miles road, part of Couch's extending along the
latter road to Fair Oaks Station Of the York River Rail-
road, and intrenched ; farther forward he had a guarded
picket station. Between Couch and Casey a skirt of
wood stretched from the swamp on their left across the
Williamsburg and Nine Miles roads and the railroad.
Between the stretch of forest and Couch was an open ;
spreading across the roads, and at Casey's front, was an-
other open, though more limited, some abatis being
arranged along their front lines. These were the only
cleared fields on the south side of the railroad within two
miles of Casey's picket line, our line of march and attack.
General D. H. Hill stood ready for battle at an early
SEVEN PINES, OR FAIR OAKS. 93
hour, waiting for his brigade on the Charles City road.
Under the delay to relieve that brigade by one of Huger^s
divisions, I sent orders to General Wilcox to pull off
from column on that road and march for the position
assigned him near the head of White Oak Swamp.
The detailed instructions for battle were that the ad-
vance should be made in columns of brigades two on each
side the Williamsburg road, preceded by strong lines of
skii-mishers ; the advance, approaching an open or abatis
or trench line, should reinforce the skirmish line to strong
engagement, while the lines of battle turned those obsta-
cles by flank or oblique march when the general advance
should be resumed. As the wooded field was not conve-
nient for artillery use, we only held the batteries of
Bondurant and Carter ready for call. At eleven o'clock,
weary of delay. General Hill asked to let loose his signal-
gun and engage, but was ordered to wait for his absent
brigade.
The reports of the hour of opening battle are more
conflicting in this than in most battles, owing possibly to
the fact that many are fixed by the beginning of the hot
battle about the trenched camp, while others are based on
the actual firing of the signal-guns. The weight of evi-
dence seems conclusive of the former attack at one p.m.,
and this would place the firing of the signal-guns back to
noon or a little after. As events occurred, however, the
hour is not of especial interest, as it is shown that the bat-
tle was in time for a finish before night if it had been
promptly followed up. I will say, therefore, that General
Hill's second appeal to open the signal-gun was made a
little before noon, and that he stated in this appeal that
his brigade from the Charles City road was approaching,
and would be with him. He was then authorized to
march, but to give instructions that the advance should be
carefully conducted until all the troops were in place, to
give full force to hm^^t/jj^mj^hBd four brigades, and
94 FROM MAX ASS AS TO APPOMATTOX.
was ordered to advance in columns of brigades, two on
each side of the road. Garland's and G. B. Anderson's
brigades in columns, preceded by skirmishers, advanced
on the left of the road at the sound of the guns, and en-
gaged after a short march from the starting. As Rodes's
brigade was not yet in position, some little time elapsed
before the columns on the right moved, so that Garland's
column encountered more than its share of earlv fiffht,
but Rodes, supported by Rains's brigade, came promptly
to his relief, which steadied the advance. The enemy's
front was reinforced and arrested progress of our skir-
mishers, but a way was found by which the enemy was
turned out of position, and by and by the open before the
intrenched camp was reached. In the redoubt was a six-
gun battery, and on the right another section of two
pieces. General Hill ordered Bondurant's battery to the
open into action, and presently the battery of Captain
Carter.
Garland and G. B. Anderson had severe contention at
one o'clock, but by pushing front and flank movements
got to the enemy's strong line. R. H. Anderson's brigade
was pushed up in support of their left, when a bold move
gave us the section of artillery and that end of the line.
At the same time Carter's battery was in close practice
with five guns within four hundred yards of the redoubt,
and the enemy was seriously disturbed ; but General Hill
was disposed to wait a little for Huger, thought to be be-
tween him and the swamp, to get farther in ; then, fearing
that longer wait might be hazardous of his opportunity,
he ordered Rains's brigade past the enemy's left, when
Rodes seized the moment, rushed in, and gained the re-
doubt and the battery. The officers at the battery made a
brave effort to spike their guns, but were killed in the act.
So Rodes, who had some artillerists acting as infantry,
turned them with some effect upon the troops as they
retired.
SEVEX PINES, OR FAIR OAKS. 95
When General Hill reported that he must use Rains's
brigade to march around the redoubt, other orders were
sent General Wilcox to leave General Huger's column and
march to his position on the right of General Hill's battle,
directing, in case there were serious obstacles to his march
by the Charles City road, to march over to and down the
Williamsburg road. A slip of paper was sent General
Johnston reporting progress and asking co-operation on
our left.
The battle moved bravely on. R. H. Anderson's bri-
gade was ordered to support its left at Fair Oaks, and
Pickett's, on the railroad, was drawn near. Hill met
Casey's troops rallying, and reinforcements Avith them
coming to recover the lost ground, but they were forced
back to the second intrenched line (Couch's), where severe
fighting ensued, but the line was carried at two o'clock,
cutting Couch with four regiments and two companies of
infantry, and Brady's six-gun battery, off at Fair Oaks
Station. Finding that he could not cut his way back to
his command. Couch stood back from the railroad and
presently opened his battery fire across our advancing
lines. As he was standing directly in front of Smith's
division, we thought that he would soon be attacked and
driven off. Nevertheless, it was not prudent to leave that
point on our flank unguarded until we found Smith's
division in action. The force was shut off from our view
by the thick pine wood, so that we could know nothing
of its strength, and only knew of its position from its
artillery fire. We could not attack it lest we should fall
under the fire of fhe division in position for that attack.
Anderson's other regiments, under the gallant Colonel M.
Jenkins, were ordered into Hill's forward battle, as his
troops were worn. Jenkins soon found himself in the
van, and so swiftly led on that the discomfited troops
found no opportunity to rally. Reinforcements from the
Third Corps came, but in the swampy wood Jenkins was
9G FKOM MANASSAS TO APP03fATTOX.
prompt enough to strike their heads as their retreating
comrades passed. Right and left and front he applied
his beautiful tactics and pushed his battle.
General Kearny, finding that he could not arrest the
march, put Berry's brigade off to the swamp to flank and
strike it, and took part of Jamison's brigade to follow.
They got into the swamp and followed it up to the open
near the Couch intrenchment,* but Jenkins knew that
there was some one there to meet them, and pushed his
onward battle. General Hill ordered Rains's brigade to
turn this new force, while Rodes attacked, but the latter's
men were worn, and some of them were with the advance.
Kemper's brigade was sent to support the forward battle,
but General Hill directed it to his right against Berry,
in front of Rains, and it seems that the heavy, swampy
ground so obstructed operations on both sides as to limit
their work to infantry fusillades until six o'clock.
Our battle on the Williamsburg road was in a sack.
We were strong enough to guard our flanks and push
straight on, but the front was growing heavy. It was
time for Wilcox's brigades under his last order, but
nothing was heard of them. I asked General Stuart, who
had joined me, if there were obstacles to Wilcox's march
between the Charles City and Williamsburg roads. He
reported that there was nothing more than swamp lands,
hardly knee-deep. He was asked for a guide, who was
sent with a courier bearing orders for them to remain
with General Wilcox until he reported at my head-
quarters.
Again I reported the cramped condition of our work,
owing to the artillery practice from beyond the railroad,
and asked General Johnston to have the division that was
with him drive that force away and loose our left. This
note was ordered to be put into General Johnston's hands.
* (General Berry thought that he got up as far as the Casey camp, but
mistook Couches opening for that of Casey.
SEVEX riXICS, oil FAIK OAKS. 97
He gave peremptory commands to that eflfect, but the move-
ments were so slow that he lost patience and rode with
Hood's leading brigade, pulled it on, and ordered commu-
nication opened with my left.
At one o'clock, General McClellan, at his head-quarters
beyond the river, six miles away, heard the noise of battle
and ordered Sumner's (Second) corps under arms to await
orders. General Sumner ordered the command under
arms, marched the divisions to their separate bridges, and
put the columns on the bridges, partly submerged, to hold
them to their moorings, anxiously awaiting authority from
his chief to march to the relief of his comrades. The
bridge where Sedgwick's division stood was passable, but
Richardson's was under water waist-deep, and the flooding
river rising. Richardson waded one brigade through, but
thought that he could save time by marching up to the
Sedgwick bridge, which so delayed him that he did not
reach the fiekl until after night.
As General Johnston rode with Hood's brigade, he saw
the detachment under General Couch marching north to
find at the Adams House the road to Grapevine Bridge,
his open way of retreat. Directly he heard firing where
Couch was marching, but thought that Smith's other bri-
gades were equal to work that could open up there, and
rode on, ordering Hood to find communication with my
left. Smith's other brigades were : Whiting's, commanded
by Colonel Law ; Hampton's, PettigrcAv's, and Hatton's ;
Whiting commanding the division. Smith commanding
the left wing. Smith quotes Colonel Frobel, who was with
him at the time, — viz. :
"Whiting's brigjule was gone ; it had been ordered forward
to charge the batteries which were firing upon us. The brigade
was repulsed, and in a few minutes came streaming back through
the little skirt of woods to the left of the Nine Miles road, near
the crossing. There was only a part of a brigade in this charge.
Pender soon rallied and lefonDed tbem on the edge of the woods.
98 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
General Whiting sent an order to him to reconnoitre the batteries,
and if he thought they could be taken, to try it again. Before
he could do so, some one galloped up, shouting, 'Charge that
battery !' The men hurried forward at double-quick, but were
repulsed as before." *
It seems that at that moment General Sumner reached
the field. He reported :
"On arriving on the field, I found (General Couch, with four
r^ments and two companies of infantry and Brady's battery.
These troops were drawn up in line near Adams's House, and
there was a pause in the battle."
He received his orders at 2.30 p.m. and marched with
Sedgwick's division — three brigades — and Kirby's bat-
tery, and reached the ground of Couch's work at 4.30,
In less than an hour he had surveyed the ground and
placed his troops to receive battle.
General Smith attacked with Hampton's, Pettigrew's,
and Hatton's brigades. It seems he made no use of artil-
lery, though on the field right and left the opportunity
was fair. The troops fought bravely, as did all Confed-
erate soldiers. We heard the steady, rolling fire of mus-
ketry and the boom of cannon that told of deadly work as
far as the Williamsburg road, but it did not last. General
Hatton was killed. General Pettigrew wounded and a pris-
oner, and General Hampton wounded. General Smith
was beaten.
General Sumner reported :
*'I ordered the following regiments, Eighty-second New York,
Thirty-fourth New York, Fifteenth Massachusetts, Twentieth
Massachusetts, and Seventh Michigan, to move to the front and
charge bayonets. There were two fences between us and the
enemy, but our men gallantly rushed over them, and the enemj'^
broke and fled, and this closed the battle of Saturday." t
* Confederate War Papers, Q. W. Smith,
t Rebellion Record, vol. xi. purt i. p. 7G].
SEVEN PINES, OR FAIR OAKS. 99
General Smith sent to call Hood's brigade from his
right, and posted it, about dark, near Fair Oaks Station.
At parting, General Hood said, " Our people over yonder
are whipped."
General Wilcox filed his three brigades into the Wil-
liamsburg road, followed by two of Huger's division at
five o'clock. He was reminded of his orders to be abreast
of the battle, and that he was only four hours behind it ;
but reported that while marching by the first order by the
Charles City road, he received orders to try the Williams-
burg road ; that, marching for that road, he was called by
orders to follow a guide, who brought him back to the
Charles City road. He confessed that his orders to march
with the front of battle were plain and well understood,
but his marches did not quite agree with the comprehen-
sive view of his orders.
Two of his regiments — the Eleventh Alabama, under
Colonel Sydenham Moore, and the Nineteenth Mississippi,
under Major Mullens — were ordered to join Kemper, turn
the position of the enemy at that point, and capture or
dislodge them. With the other regiments. General Wil-
cox was ordered by the Williamsburg road to report to
General Hill, Pryor's brigade to follow him, Colston's
brigade to support the move under Colonel Moore.
Armistead's and Mahone's brigades, of Huger's division,
were sent to R. H. Anderson, who was ordered to put them
in his position and move his other regiments to tjie front.
Colonel Moore hurried his leading companies into the
turning move against Berry's brigade before his regiment
was up, and before the Mississippi regiment was in sup-
porting distance, and fell mortally wounded. General
Kearny, seeing the move and other troops marching to-
wards it, ordered his troops out and in retreat through the
swamp. He reported of it :
'^Although so critically placed, and despite the masses that
gathered on and had passed as, checked the enemy in his intent
1(H) FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
of cutting off agsiiiisl the White Oak Swauip. Thia enabled the
advanced regiments, arn*.ste<l by orders and this contest in the
rear, to return from their hitherto victi>rious career and ivtire by a
i*eniaining wood-path known to our s<*outs (the saw-mill road),
until they once more arrive<l at and remained in the impregnable
position we had left at noon at our own fortitied division
camp.'- *
He states the hour as six p.m.
Biruey's l)riga<h^ of Kearny's division was ordered
along the north side of the railroad a little before night,
and had several encounters with parts of R. H. Ander-
son's brigade and some regiments of G. B. Anderson's,
Jenkins, nothing daunted, pushed his brave battle forward
until the shades of night settled about the wood, and
flashes of dark-lanterns began to creep through the pines
in search of wounded, friend and foe.
At seven o'clock. General Johnston ordered his trooj)8
on the field to sleep on their lines, and be ready to renew
operations in the morning, and ordered General Smith to
call up other troo]>s of the left wing. At half after seven
he was hit by a rifle-ball, then a fragment of shell un-
horsed him, and he was borne from the field, so severely
wounded that he was for a considerable time incapacitated
for duty. The command devolved temporarily upon
General G. W. Smith. General Johnston was skilled in
the art and science of war, gifted in his quick, pene-
trating mind and soldierly bearing, genial and affectionate
in nature, honorable and winning in person, and confidhig
in his love, lie drew the hearts of those about him so
close that his comrades felt that they could die for him.
Until his recovery the (confederacy exiK»rienced a serious
deprivation, and when that occurred he was no longer
commander-in-chief, for General Lee was promptly called
to the post of honor.
* BebeUion Record, vol. xl. pari il. p. Hl.'i.
SEVEN PINES, OR FAIR OAKS. 101
The brigades were so mixed up through the pines when
the battle closed that there was some delay in getting the
regiments to their proper commands, getting up supplies,
and arranging for the morning. D. H. Hill's was put in
good order and in bivouac near the Casey intrenchment ;
those of Longstreet between the Williamsburg road and
railroad. Wilcox's brigade took position on the right, in
place of the detachment under Jenkins ; Pryor's brigade
next on the left; Kemper, Anderson, and Colston near
the stage road (Williamsburg) . They made blazing fires
of pine-knots to dry their clothing and blankets, and
these lighted reinforcing Union troops to their lines be-
hind the railroad.
The brigades of Huger's division (Armistead's and
Mahone's) were near the left. Pickett was ordered to
report to General Hill at daylight, also the batteries of
Maurin, Stribling, and Watson. It was past eleven
o'clock when all things were made ready and the killed
and wounded cared for; then I rode to find the head-
quarters of our new commander.
SUMMARY OF FORCES AND LOSSES.
Uuion troops engaged on the WiUiamsburg road, re-
ported by General Heintzelinan, commanding Casey's,
Couch's, and Kearny's divisions 18,500
Hooker's division was at hand, but no part of it engaged.
Confederates engaged on the Williamsburg road, of D. H.
Hill's division 8900*
Two brigades and two regiments of Longstreet's divi-
sion 5700
14,600
Two lines of intrenchments were attacked and carried, six pieces of
artillery and several thousand small-arms were captured, and the enemy
was forced back to his third line of intrenchments by night, a mile and
a half from the point of his opening.
* Previous returns give him 11,000, but one of his brigades was
absent.
102 FKOM MANASSAS TO Ari*OMATTOX.
8edgwick*» diviisioii is ii<it sepurately uccoiintod for, but
an average of the divi»ioii8 reported by Qeueral Heiut-
zelman will give him 6080
Ei^tiinate of Coucli's commiiiid 2000
Union force against General Smith 8080
SraitlfH division, five brigades 10,500
But HoiKl's brigade was not engaged 2,100
Of Sniitli's division in action 8,400
Union losses on the Williamsburg road 4563
Confederate losses on the Williamsburg road 8515
Union losses on the Nine Miles road 468
Confederate losses on the Nine Miles road 1288
CHAPTER VIIL
SEQUELS OF SEVEN PINES.
The Forces under Command of G. W. Smith after Johnston was wounded
— ^The Battle of the Ist — Longstreet requests Reinforcements and a
Diversion — Council held— McLaws alone sustains Longstreet's Oppo-
sition to retiring— Severe Fighting — Pickett's Brave Stand— Gteneral
Lee assigned to Command— He orders the withdrawal of the Army
— Criticism of General Smith— Confederates should not have lost the
Battle— Key es's Corrolwration.
Major-General G. W. Smith was of the highest
standing of the West Point classes, and, like others of the
Engineers, had a big name to help him in the position to
which he had been suddenly called by the disabling of
the Confederate commander.
I found his head-quarters at one o'clock in the morning,
reported the work of the commands on the Williamsburg
road on the 31st, and asked for part of the troops ordered
up by General Johnston, that we might resume battle at
daylight. He was disturbed by reports of pontoon
bridges, said to be under construction for the use of other
reinforcements to join the enemy from the east side, and
was anxious lest the enemy might march his two corps on
the east side by the upper river and occupy Richmond.
But after a time these notions gave way, and he suggested
that we could renew the battle on the Williamsburg road,
provided we would send him one of our brigades to help
hold his position and make the battle by a wheel on his
right as a pivot.
As the commands stood. Smith's division on our left
was at right angles to the York River Railroad, facing
east, his right near Fair Oaks Station. Besides his di-
vision of ten thousand, he had Magruder's and other
commands of fresh troops near him, — twenty thousand.
103
104 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
My left lay near Smith's right, the line extending parallel
to the railroad for a mile, facing north ; thence it broke to
the rear, and covered the ground from that point to the
swamp, the return front facing the enemy's third in-
trenched line. Smith's part of the field was oj>en and fine
for artillery practice. The field fronting on the railroad
was so shut in by heavy pine forest and tangled swamp
that we had no place for a single gun. 1). H. Hill's
division was in reserve near the Casey encam])ment.
The enemy stood : Sedgwick's division in front of
Smith ; Richardson's division in column of three brigades
parallel to the railroad and behind it, prepared to attack
my left; on Richardson's left was Birney's brigade be-
hind the railroad, and under the eneniv's third intrenched
line were the balance of the Third and all of the Fourth
Corps. So the plan to wheel on Smith's right as a pivot,
my right stepping out on the wheel, would have left the
Third and Fourth Corps to attack our rear as soon as we
moved.
Besides, it was evident that our new commander would
do nothing, and we must look to accident for such aid as
might be drawn to us during the battle.
The plan proposed could only be considered under the
hypothesis that Magruder would come in as tlie pivotal
point, and, upon having the enemy's line fully exposed,
would find the field fine for his batteries, an<l put them
in practice without orders from his commander, and,
breaking the enemy's line by an enfilade fire from his
artillery, would come into battle and give it cohesive
power.
I left head-quarters at three o'clock, and after an hour's
repose rode to the front to find General Hill. Wilcox's
brigade was on my right on the return front, Pryor's
brigade on his left, and R. H. Anderson, Kemper, Col-
ston, Armistead, and Mnhone occupied the line between the
Williamsburg nmd and the railroad. Pickett's brigade
SEQUELJE OF SEVEN PINES. 105
was ordered to be with General Hill at daylight, and
Maurin's, Stribling's, and Watson's batteries, of Pickett's
brigade, to take position on the right of Armistead's.
I found General Hill before he had his breakfast, en-
joying the comforts of Casey's camp. Pickett had passed
and was in search of his position, which was soon disclosed
by a fusillade from the front of Richardson's division. A
party of " bummers" from Richmond had found their way
into the camp at Fair Oaks, and were getting such things
as they could put their hands on. They were taken in
the gray of the morning for Confederate troops and fired
upon. This made some confusion with our new troops,
and part of tliem opened fire in the wrong direction, put-
ting two or three bullets through General Hill's tent
before he got out of it. Hood's brigade of Smith's di-
vision, the pivotal point, came under this fire, and was
immediately withdrawn. Hood reported his position
good, but his orders were to retire.
Our cavalry had established communication with head-
quarters, and gave prompt notice of movements as they
occurred. The pivot was moving to the rear, but battle
on the Williamsburg road steadily advanced, with orders
to develop the enemy's battle front through its extent
along the railroad ; not to make the fancied wheel, but to
expose his line to the practice of our batteries on the Nine
Miles road.
Our infantry moved steadily, engaging French's brigade
of Richardson's division, which was led by one of How-
ard's regiments. French was supported by Howard's
brigade, and Howard by Meagher's, and the firing ex-
tended along my line as far as the return front of my
right. But Magruder was not on the field to seize the
opportunity for his artillery. He was nowhere near the
battle, — had not been called. General Whiting, however,
saw the opix)rtunity so inviting, and reported to hia
commander at half after six o'clock^ —
106 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
'^ I am going to try a diversion for Longstreet, and have found,
as reported, a position for artillery. The enemy are in full view
and in heavy masses. I have ordered up Lee with four pieces.
The musketry firing in advance is tremendous." *
General Smith had parties posted along the heights of
the Chickahominy in close observation of the movements
of the enemy's forces on the east bank. These parties re-
ported from time to time that the enemy was moving his
forces down the east bank and crossing them over to take
part in the fight. The accounts proved false, but they
continued to come to head-quarters, and were forwarded
to my command on the Williamsburg road and gave us
some concern. Failing to receive approval of his chief,
Greneral Whiting reported at nine o'clock, —
"If I don't receive an answer in half an hour, I shall com-
mence withdrawing my forces.'' t
The answer he received was to throw back his right and
take position a little nearer to the New Bridge fork of the
Nine Miles road,I thus swinging the pivot farther back.
General Smith complained that the enemy was getting
into the interval between our lines, but position between
two fires was not the place the enemy wanted ; he could
not know that Smith wouldn't shoot. Under this long
and severe infantry fight there was no point on my part
of the field upon which we could post a single gun. Part
of Armistead's new troops gave way, but the gallant brig-
adier maintained his ground and soon collected his other
regiments. Before this I had reported ready, and awaiting
a guide, the brigade that was to be sent over to the Nine
Miles road. At half after ten o'clock. General Smith
sent word that he had heard nothing of the brigade ex-
pected to come to his support, and renewed his reports
of the enemy crossing over and concentrating against us
♦ Smith's War Papers. f Ibid. | Ibid.
SEQUELJS OF SEVEN PINES. 107
on the Williamsburg road. He repeated, too, his wish to
have his cavalry keep close communication between the
wings of the army. This close communication had been
established early in the morning and was maintained
through the day, and the reports of the enemy's crossing
were all false, but our new commander seemed to forget.
At the same time he wrote me, —
"I have directed Whiting to take close defensive relations
with Magruder. At any rate, that was absolutely necessary to
enable a good defence to be made whilst you are pivoting on
Whiting's position.'' *
Whiting's position, instead of being pivotal, began its
rearward move at the opening fire at daybreak, and con-
tinued in that line of conduct until it reached a point of
quiet. General Smith was informed that the brigade called
for by him would not be sent over ; that his troops were
doing nothing, while all of mine were in severe battle,
except a single brigade, and the enemy was massing his
fighting force against me ; that the grounds were so flooded
that it was difficult to keep up our supply of ammunition ;
that with the aid of his troops the battle would be ours.
But just then he held a council with Generals McLaws
and Whiting and Chief Engineer Stevens, and submitted
the question, " Must the troops be withdrawn, or the
attack continued ?"
All voted in favor of the former except McLaws. In
a letter, since written, he has said, —
"I alone urged that you be reinforced and the attack con-
tinued, and the question was reconsidered, and I was sent to
learn your views." t
Before (Jeneral McLaws found me, I wrote General
Smith, —
* Smith's War Papers. t l^id.
108 FROM MAXA8SAS TO APPOMATTOX.
^^Can you reiiiforee Die! The entire enemy seems to be op-
posed tx) me. We cannot hold out unless we get help. If we can
fight together, we can finish the work to-day, and Mae's time will
be up. If I cunnot get help, 1 fear that I must fall back.'' /
General McLaws re])orted of his ride to my lines, —
'^ I went and found you with J. E. B. Stuart. You were in
favor of resuming the assault, and wanted live thousiind men." *
Nothing was sent in reply to McLaws's report, but we
soon learned that the left wing of the army was quiet
and serene in defensive positions about the New Bridge
fork of the Nine Miles road.
At the first quiet of our battle, after the left wing (juit
the field, I ordered the brigades withdrawn to defensive
position about the trenches at Seven Pines, but before the
order reached the front the fight was lenewed by Hooker's
division upon Wilcox and Pryoi*, and reached out to our
left near Fair Oaks. In the heat of this. General Wilcox
received the order to retire, and in undue haste }>ulled his
command out, assumed authority over Pryor, and ordered
him off. Pickett, the true soldier, knowing that the order
was not intended for such emergency, stood and resisted
the attack. Colston was sent to his aid, and the attack
was repulsed. Immediately after this repulse was a quiet
advance upon Pickett's right. The commander asked,
"What troops are these?" ^* Virginians !" "Don't
fire !" he ordered ; " we will capture the last one of these
Virginians." Just then the Virginians rose and opened
a fearful fire that drove him back to his bushv cover,
which ended the battle of Seven Pines. Pickett was
withdrawn to position assigned for his brigade, our line of
skirmishers remaining near the enemy's during the day
and night. General Wilcox reported of his battle, when
* Letter from Cieneral McLaw»,
SEQUEL-E OF SEVEN PINES. 109
he pulled off from it, that he was doing as well as he
could wish, but General Hooker re])orted, ** Pursuit was
hopeless."
The failure of the enemy to push the oi)portunity made
by the precipitate retreat of General Wilcox, and Pickett's
successful resistance, told that there was nothing in the
reports of troops coming over from the east side to take
part in the battle, and we were convinced that the river
was not passable. I made an a])peal for ten thousand
men, that we might renew our battle without regard to
General Smith and those about him. It received no more
consideration than the appeal made through General
McLaws.
Then General I^ee, having been assigned to command,
came upon the field after noon by the Nine Miles road,
and, witli General Smith, came over to the Williamsburg
road. A similar proposition was made General Lee, but
General Smith protested that the enemy was strongly for-
tified. At the time the enemy's main battle front was
behind the railroad, fronting against me but exposed to
easy enfilade fire of batteries to be posted on his right
flank on the Nine Miles road, while his front against me
was covered by the railway embankment. It is needless
to add that under the fire of batteries so posted his lines
would have been broken to confusion in twenty minutes.
General Holmes marched down the Williamsburg road
and rested in wait for General Lee. Like General Huger,
he held rank over me. General Lee ordered the troops
back to their former lines. Those on the Williamsburg
road were drawn back during the night, the rear-guard,
Pickett's brigade, passing the Casey works at sunrise on
the 2d unmolested. Part of Richardson's division mistook
the camp at Fair Oaks for the Casey camp, and claimed
to have recovered it on the afternoon of the 1st, but it was
not until the morning of the 2d that the Casey camp was
abandoned.
110 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
The Confederate losses in the two days* fight were
G134 ; the Union losses, 5031.
It seems from Union accounts that all of our dead were
not found and buried on the afternoon of the 1st. It is
possible, as our battle was in the heavy forest and swam])
tangles.
General Smith has written a great deal about the battle
of Seven Pines during the past twenty or thirty years, in
eflTorts to show that the failure of success was due to want
of conduct on the part of the forces on the Williamsburg
road. He claims that he was only out as a party of obser-
vation, to prevent reinforcement of the enemy from the
east side of the river, and that he kept Sumner off of us.
But he waited three hours after the enemy's ranks and
lines had been broken, instead of moving with and finish-
ing the battle, thus giving Sumner time to march from
tlie east of the river, and strike him and beat him to dis-
order, and change the lost battle to success. He shows
that Hill's and Longstreet's divisions could have gained
the battle unaided, — wliich may be true enough, but it
would have been a fruitleas success, for the enemy got
forces over to protect tliose of the west side; whereas,
the stronger battle, ordered by the four divisions, could
and would have made a complete success of it but for the
balky conduct of tlie divisions ordered to guard the flanks.
Instead of six hours' hard work to reach the enemy's third
line, we could have captured it in the second hour and
liad the field cleaned up before Sumner crossed the river.
General Keyes, the commander of the Fourtli Corps,
in his " Fifty Years' Observations," says, —
'^Tbe left of my lines were all protected by the WTiite Oak
Swamp, but the right was on ground so favorable to the approach
of the enemy, and so far from the Chickahominy, that if Johnston
had attacked them an hour or two earlier than he did, I could
have made but a feeble defence companitively, and ever}' man of
us would have been killed, captured, or driven into the swamp or
river before assistance could have reached us."
SEQUELS OF SEVEN FIXES. Ill
General Smith lay in wait three hours after the enemy's
positions were broken and carried, giving ample time for
the march of the succoring forces. The hour of the at-
tack was not so important as prompt and vigorous work.
If the battle had opened at sunrise, Smith would have
made the same wait, and Sumner's march would have been
in time to beat him. All elements of success were in the
plan, but balky troops will mar the strongest plans. He
tries to persuade himself that he intended to join our
battle on the Williamsburg road, but there was no fight
in his heart after his maladroit encounter with Sedgwick's
division on the afternoon of the 31st. The opportunity
for enfilade fire of his artillery along the enemy's battle
front, at the morning opening and all of the forenoon,
was waiting him; while reports of the enemy crossing
the river, reinforcing against my single contest, were de-
manding relief and aid.
He reported sick on the 2d and left the army. When
ready for duty he was assigned about Richmond and the
seaboard of North Carolina. He applied to be restored
to command of his division in the field, but the authorities
thought his services could be used better elsewhere. He
resigned his commission in the Confederate service, went
to Georgia, and joined Joe Brown's militia, where he found
congenial service, better suited to his ideas of vigorous
warfare.
CHAPTER IX.
ROBERT E. LEE IN COMMAND.
The Great General's Assignment not at first assuring to the Army —
Able as an Engineer but limited as to Field Service— He makes the
Acquaintance of his Lieutenants— Calls a Council— Gains Confidence
by saying Nothing—** A Little Humor now and then*'— Lee plans a
Simultaneous Attack on McClellau's Front and Rear— J. £. B. Stuart's
Daring Recounoissance around the Union Army.
The assignment of General Lee to command the army
of Northern Virginia was far from reconciling the troops
to the loss of our beloved chief, Joseph E. Johnston, with
whom the army had been closely connected since its earli-
est active life. All hearts had learned to lean upon him
with confidence, and to love him dearly. General Lee's
experience in active field work was limited to his West
Virginia campaign against General Rosecrans, which was
not successful. His services on our coast defences were
known as able, and those who knew him in Mexico as
one of the principal engineers of General Scott's column,
marching for the capture of the capital of that great re-
public, knew that as military engineer he was especially
distinguished ; but officers of the line are not apt to look
to the staff in choosing leaders of soldiers, either in tac-
tics or strategy. There were, therefore, some misgivings
as to the power and skill for field service of the new
commander. The change was accepted, however, as a
happy relief from the existing halting policy of the late
temporary commander.
During the first week of his authority he called his
general officers to meet him on the Nine Miles road for a
general talk. This novelty was not reassuring, as experience
had told that secrecy in war was an essential element of suc-
cess ; that public discussion and secrecy were incompatible.
112
ROBERT E. LEE IX COMMAXD. 113
As he disclosed nothing, those of serious thought became
hopeful, and followed his wise example. The brigadiers
talked freely, but only of the parts of the line occupied
by their brigades ; and the meeting finally took a playful
turn. General Toombs's brigade was before some formi-
dable works under construction by General Franklin.
He suggested an elevation a few hundred yards in his rear,
as a better defensive line and more comfortable position
for his men ; a very good military point. This seemed
strange in General Toombs, however, as he was known to
have frequent talks with his troops, complaining of West
Point men holding the army from battle, digging and
throwing up lines of sand instead of showing lines of
battle, where all could have fair fight.
Referring to his suggestion to retire and construct a
new line. General D. H. Hill, who behind the austere
presence of a major-general had a fund of dry humor,
said, —
*^ I think it may be better to advance General Toombs's brigade,
till he can bring Franklin's working parties under the fire of his
short-range arms, so that the working parties may be broken up."
General Whiting, who was apprehensive of bayous and
parallels, complained of sickness in his command, and
asked a change of position from the unfair Fair Oaks.
Though of brilliant, highly cultivated mind, the dark side
of the picture was always more imposing with him. Sev-
eral of the major-generals failed to join us till the confer-
ence was about to disperse. All rode back to their camps
little wiser than when they went, except that they found
General Lee's object was to learn of the temper of those
of his officers whom he did not know, and of the condi-
tion and tone among their troops. He ordered his engi-
neers over the line occupied by the army, to rearrange
its defensive construction, and to put working parties on
all points needing reinforcing. Whiting's division was
8
114 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
broken up. Three of the brigades were ordered to A. P.
Hill's division. He was permitted to choose two brigades
that were to constitute his own command. Besides his
own, he selected Hood's brigade. Witli thase two lie was
ordered by way of Lynchburg to report to General
Jackson, in the Valley district.
General Lee was seen almost daily riding over his lines,
making suggestions to working parties and encouraging
their efforts to put sand-banks between their persons and
the enemy's batteries, and they were beginning to appre-
ciate the value of such adjuncts. Above all, they soon
began to look eagerly for his daily rides, his pleasing yet
commanding presence, and the energy he displayed in
speeding their labors.
The day after the conference on the Nine Miles road,
availing myself of General Lee's invitation to free inter-
change of ideas, I rode over to his head-quarters, and
renewed my suggestion of a move against General Mc-
Clellan's right flank, which rested behind Beaver Dam
Creek. The strength of the position was explained, and
mention made that, in consequence of that strong ground,
a move somewhat similar, ordered by General Johnston
for the 28th of May, was abandoned. At the same time
he was assured that a march of an hour could turn the
head of the creek and dislodge the force behind it. He
received me pleasantly and gave a patient hearing to the
suggestions, without indicating approval or disapproval.
A few days before he wrote General Jackson : *
*• Head-quabteks, neab Eichmond, Va.,
''June 11, 1862.
''Bbigadier-Genebal Thomas J. Jackson,
'' Commanding Valley District:
'' Genebal, — Your recent successes have been the cause of the
liveliest joy in this army as well as in the country.' The admira-
tion excited by your skill and boldness has been constantly
♦ Eebelliou Record, vol. xii. part iii. p. 910.
BOBERT E. LEE IN COMMAND. 115
mingled with solicitude for your situation. The practicability
of reinforcing you has been the subject of earnest consideration.
It has been determined to do so at the expense of weakening
this army. Brigadier-Gteneral Lawton, with six regiments from
Georgia, is on the way to you, and Brigadier-Greneral Whiting,
with eight veteran regiments, leaves here to-day. The object is
to enable you to crush the forces opposed to you. Leave your
enfeebled troops to watch the country and guard the passes cov-
ered by your cavalry and artillery, and with your main body,
including EwelPs division and Lawton's and Whiting's com-
mands, move rapidly to Ashland by rail or otherwise, as you
may find most advantageous, and sweep down between the Chick-
ahominy and Pamunkey, cutting up the enemy's communica-
tions, etc., while this army attacks General McClellan in front.
He will thus, I think, be forced to come out of his intrench-
ments, where he is strongly posted on the Chickahominy, and
apparently preparing to move by gradual approaches on Eich-
mond. Keep me advised of your movements, and, if practicable,
precede your troops, that we may confer and arrange for simul-
taneous attack.
" I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
^'E. E. Lee, General.^^
The brigades under Grenerals Lawton and Whiting
were transported as above ordered.
As indicated in his letter to General Jackson, General
Lee's plan was a simultaneous attack on General McClel-
lan's army front and rear. Following his instructions for
Greneral Jackson, on the same day he ordered his cavalry,
under General Stuart, upon a forced reconnoissance around
General McClellan's army to learn if the ground behind
his army was open.
These plans and the promptness with which they were
conceived and put in operation ought to be a sufficient
refutation of the silly report that the Confederacy had
any idea of withdrawing from their capital,-a report
which, notwithstanding its unreasonable nature, was given
a degree of credence in some quarters.*
* Of interest in this connection is a letter to the author from General
D. H. HiU :
116 FROM MAXAiJsSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Upon nearing Richmond, after leaving Yorktown, Gen-
eral Johnston's first thouglit had been to stand on the
table-lands between the Painunkey and the Chickahominy
Rivers, on the flank of McClellan's march for Rich-
mond, and force him into battle. He selected ground
with that view and posted his army, where it remained
some eight days, giving general and engineer officers
opportunity to ride over and learn the topographical
features of the surroundings. A prominent point was
Beaver Dam Creek, which was so noted by the officers.
When Johnston proposed to recross the Chickahominy
and make battle on the 28th of May, in anticipation of
McDowell's approach, the strong ground at Beaver Dam
Creek again came under discussion and was common talk
between the generals, so that the position and its ap-
proaches became a familiar subject. Then Stuart's famous
ride had correlative relation to the same, and drew us to
careful study of the grounds.
P^'or the execution of his orders General Stuart took
twelve hundred cavalry and a section of Stuart's horse
artillery. The command was composed of parts of the
First, Fourth, and Ninth Virginia Cavalry. The Fourth,
** P'ayettev'ILLE, Ark., February 4, 1879.
•* General James Lonostreet :
••My dear General,— I never lieard of the proixvsed abandonment
of Richmond at tlie thne General Lee took command. I had charge
of one of the four divisions witli which tlie retreat from Yorktown was
effected, and was called several times into General Lee's most important
councils. I never heard any ottleor suggest such a course in these coun«
cils or in private conversations.
" I feel sure that -General Johnston always intended to fight the in-
vading force, and so far as I know no officer of rank entertained any
other view.
*'I remember very well that some days before the council on the
Nine Miles road (when yourself, A. P. Hill, and myself were present)
that you suggested the plan of attacking McClellan's right flank, and
that I expressed my preference for an attack on the other flank. This
shows that there was no thought of retreat.
** Very truly yours,
••D. H. HiLU"
BOBERT E. LEE IN COMMAND. 117
having no field officer ou duty with it, was distributed for
the expedition between the First, Colonel Fitzhugh Lee,
and the Ninth, Colonel W. H. F. Lee commanding ; also
two squadrons of the Jeff Davis Legion, Lieutenant-
Colonel W. T. Martin commanding. The section of artil-
lery wa^ under First Lieutenant James Breathed.
On the night of the 12th of June he gathered his
squadrons beyond the Chickahominy, and the next day
marched by the road west of the Richmond, Fredericks-
burg, and Potomac Railroad towards Louisa Court-House,
to produce the impression, should the march be discovered,
that he was going to join General Jackson. After a
march of fifteen miles, he bivouacked in the pine forests
of Hanover, near the South Anna Bridge, without light
or sound of bugle, and, throwing aside the cares of the
day and thoughts of the morrow, sunk to repose such as
the soldier knows how to enjoy. An hour before daylight
he was up in readiness to move as soon as the first light
of morning revealed the line of march. Up to that mo-
ment no one of the expedition, except the commander,
knew the direction or the purpose of the march. He
called his principal officers about him and told of the
object of the ride, and impressed the necessity for secrecy,
prompt and intelligent attention to orders. At the mute
signal the twelve hundred men swung into their saddles
and took the road leading to the right and rear of Mc-
Clellan's army. At Hanover Court-House a small force
of the enemy ^8 cavalry was discovered, but they retired
towards their camp, out of the line of Stuart's ride. At
Hawes's Shop a picket was driven off and several vedettes
captured. They proved to be of the Fifth United States
Cavalry, General Lee's old regiment. Between Hawes's
Shop and Old Church the advance-guard, well to the
front, reported the presence of the enemy, apparently in
some force. The column pressed forward, expecting a
fierce encounter of Southern volunteers with United States
118 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
regulars, but the latter was a single troop and retreated
beyond Totopotomy Creek to Old Church, where there
was a camp of four companies of the Fifth Cavalry under
Captain Royal, which made a brave stand. Captain
Latane led the first squadron, and Captain Royal received
the first shock, and furiously the combat went on, both
leaders falling, Latane dead and Royal severely wounded.
The enemy fled and scattered through the woods. A
number of prisoners were taken, including several ofl&cers,
and there were captured horses, arms, equipments, and
four guidons. In the enemy's camp, near Old Church,
several officers and privates were captured, a number of
horses and arms taken, and the stores and tents were
burned. Here it became a question whether to attempt
to return by way of Hanover Court-House or to press on
and try to make a circuit around the entire army, and
take the chance of fording or swimming the Chicka-
hominy beyond the enemy's extreme left. Stuart decided
that the bolder ride "was the quintessence of prudence,"*
Arriving opposite Garlick's, on the Pamunkey, — one of
the enemy's supply stations, — a squadron was sent out and
burned two transports with army stores and a number of
wagons. Near Tunstall's Station a wagon-train was dis-
covered guarded by five companies of cavalry, which
manifested a determination to stand and defend it, but
they abandoned it and rode away, leaving the train ia
possession of Stuart, who burned it, and, night coming on,
the country was brilliantly lighted up by its flames. After
resting a few hours at Talleysville, the ride was resumed,
and the party reached the Chickahominy at Forges Bridge
at daylight. The stream was not fordable, but, by exer-
cise of great energy and industry, a rude foot-bridge was
laid. That part of the command near it dismounted and
walked over, swimming their horses. In a few hours the
* Official account, Rebellion Record, vol. xi. part i. p. 1036.
BOBERT E. LEE IN COMMAND. 119
bridge was made strong and the artillery and other mounts
were passed safely over to the Richmond side, and resumed
the march for their old camp-grounds.
This was one of the most graceful and daring rides
known to military history, and revealed valuable facts
concerning the situation of the Union forces, their opera-
tions, communications, etc. When congratulated upon
his success. General Stuart replied, with a lurking twinkle
in his eye, that he had left a general behind him. Asked
as to the identity of the unfortunate person, he said, with
his joyful laugh, " General Consternation,"
CHAPTER X.
FIGHTING ALONG THE CHICKAHOMIXY.
Retreat— Log's Bold Initiative— Lt*e aud his Lieutenants planning
Battle— The Confederates* Loss at Mechanicsville— Gaines's Mill— A.
P. Hill's Fight— Longstreet's Reserve Division put in— McClellan*8
Change of Base— Savage Station- Longstreet engages McClellan's
Main Force at Frayser's Farm (or Glendale)— President Davis on the
Field— Testimony of Federal Generals— Fierce Bayonet Charges—
"Greek meets Greek"— Capture of General McCall— McClellau's
Masterly Retreat.
The (lay after Stuart's return I rode over to General
Lee's head-quarters and suggested that General Jackson
be withdrawn from the Valley to tiike j)Osition on our
left, to march against McClellan's right, and was informed
that the order for Jackson was sent when Whiting's di-
vision was detached and sent to join him.
Then it was that General Lee revealed the plan indi-
cated in his instructions of the 11th, for General Jackson
to march down and attack McClellan's rear, while he
made a simultaneous attack upon his front. The sugges-
tion was offered that the enemy had probably destroyed
the bridges and ferries on the Pamunkey along the line
of his rear J, which might leave Jackson in perilous condi-
tion if the front attack should be delaved ; that that attack
must be hazardous, as the enemy was in well-fortified
positions with four army corps. After deliberation, he
changed the plan and accepted the suggestion in favor
of combining his fighting columns on the north side of
the Chickahominy in echelon march against McClellan's
right flank, leaving troops in the trenches in front of
McClellan to defend in case of a move towards Richmond.
At the first mention of this march before this conference
a change of base was spoken of by General D. H. Hill,
120
m
FIGHTING ALOXG THE CHICKAHOMINY. 121
but with our troops to be left in the trenches, so near the
flank of such a move, and our columns afield, pressing
close upon its rear, it was thought impracticable. General
D. H. Hill, in view of the possibility, preferred that our
attack should be made against the enemy's left by crossing
White Oak Swamp below the enemy's left.
Jackson was called in advance of his command to meet
the Hills and myself at General Lee's head-quarters for
conference on the execution. On the forenoon of the 23d
of June w^e were advised of his approach, and called to
head-quarters to meet him. He was there before us, having
ridden fifty miles by relay of horses since midnight. We
were together in a few minutes after his arrival, in Gen-
eral Lee's private office. The general explained the plan
briefly : Jackson to march from Ashland by heights be-
tween the Chickahominy and Pamunkey, turning and
dislodging the Federal right, thus clearing the way for
the march of troops to move on his right ; A. P. Hill to
cross the upper Chickahominy and march for Mechanics-
ville, in echelon to Jackson ; the Mechanicsville Bridge
being clear, D. H. Hill's division and mine to cross, the
former to reinforce Jackson's column, the latter to file to
the right and march down the river in right echelon to
A. P. Hill's direct march through Mechanicsville to
Gaines's Mill.
General Lee then excused himself to attend to office
business, asking that we talk the matter over for our
better comprehension.
Turning to Jackson, I said, —
**You have distance to overcome, and in all probability ob-
stacles will be thrown in the way of your march by the enemy.
As your move is the key of the campaign, you should appoint
the hour at which the connection may be made co-operative."
He promptly responded, —
"The morning of the 25th."
122 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
I expressed doubt of his meeting that hour, and sug-
gested that it would be better to take a little more time,
as the movements of our columns could be readily ad-
justed to those of his. He then appointed the morning
of the 26th.
Upon his return, report was made General Lee that
the officers understood, and would be prepared to execute
the plans ; that General Jackson had appointed the morn-
ing of the 26th, when he would lead the march. Verbal
instructions were given, followed by written orders, em-
bodying in minute detail the plan already given in general.
The topographical features of the ground about Beaver
Dam Creek have been given in a former chapter. Behind
it battery epaulements had been skilfully laid and con-
structed, as well as rifle-trenches. These were occupied
by the troops of the Fifth Corps, commanded by General
Fitz-John Porter. McCall's division had joined the Army
of the Potomac, and was assigned as part of the Fifth
Corps, with the divisions of Sykes and Morell. Two of
McCall's brigades, J. F. Reynolds's and Seymour's, with
thoroughly-equipped artillery, were especially charged
with the defences, the Third Brigade, Meade's, in reserve,
the other divisions in supporting distance. McCall's ad-
vanced brigades had guards at the bridges as far as
Meadow Bridge, and a strong outpost at Mechanicsville,
under orders to retire when the strength of the enemy's
advance was so developed as to warrant their doing so.
Three batteries, two of six guns each and one of four,
manned the epaulements at the opening of the fight.
Before sunrise on the 26th of June the division of A. P.
Hill was in position at Meadow Bridge ; his brigade, under
General Branch, and Johnson's battery, seven miles above,
at Brook Turnpike Bridge ; my division and that of D.
H. Hill on the heights overlooking the Mechanicsville
Bridge, — all awaiting the approach of the initial column.
Not anticipating delay, the divisions had no special cause
FIGHTING ALONG THE CHICK AHOMINY. 123
to conceal their presence, nor did the lay of the ground
offer good cover. Morning came, and noon passed.
A few minutes after ten a.m., Greneral Branch received
a note informing him that, at the hour of its writing,
Greneral Jackson's column was crossing the Central Rail-
road. He assembled his command, crossed the Chicka-
hominy, and marched down along the route designated for
his column, without sending information to the division
commander. Of his march he reported, —
*' Interruption by the enemy, but with no other efifect than to
retard without checking our march.
''Near Crenshaw's the road on which the column commanded
by Major-Qeneral Ewell" (of Jackson's) '* was advancing and
that on which I was advancing approach within one-fourth of a
mile of each other. The heads of our columns reached this point
simultaneously, and, after a short personal interview between
General Ewell and myself, we proceeded on our respective routes.
''After dislodging the enemy from several ambuscades with
only a small loss to my command, I reached the Meadow Bridge
road, when I learned from stragglers that M^or-General Hill
had crossed the Chickahominy, without opposition, with the re-
mainder of the division and gone on to Mechanicsville, then dis-
tant about one and a half miles. A courier from the general soon
assured me of the correctness of the information, and, closing in
my skirmishers, I made all haste to join him at Mechanicsville.
The brigade reached the field almost an hour before sunset." *
At three o'clock. General A. P. Hill, hearing nothing
from Jackson or his brigade under Branch, decided to
cross the river and make his move without reference to
Jackson or Branch. He crossed and moved down against
Mechanicsville, attacked by Field's brigade, Anderson and
Archer on Field's left, Pender and Gregg on his right,
and six field batteries (four guns each). The outpost was
driven in, and Hill prepared and attacked against the
front at Beaver Dam Creek. Meanwhile the Mechanics-
ville Bridge had been cleared, and, after a little delay re-
* RebeUiou Record, vol. xi. part ii. p. 882.
124 FROM MAX ASS AS TO APPOMATTOX.
pairing breaks, 1). H. Hill's and Longj?treet's divisions
crossed.
A. P. Hill's battle soon becume firm, but he waited a little
for Jackson before giving it full force. Jackson came up,
marched by the fight without giving attention, and went
into camp at Hundley's Corner, half a mile in rear of the
enemy's position of contention. A. P. Hill jmt his force
in severe battle and was repulsed. As D. H. Hill aj)-
proached, he was called into the fray by the commanding
general, then by the President. He sent Ripley's brigade
and five batteries, which made the battle strong and hot
along the line.
The most determined efforts were against the enemy's
right, Avhere General McCall, reinforced by Kern's battery
and Griffin's and Martindale's brigades (Morell's divis-
ion), Edwards's battery, and the Third Regiment of
Meade's brigade, beat off* the repeated and formidable
efforts of A. P. Hill, when he essayed a column against
the crossing at EUerson's Mill, which McCall reinforced
by the Seventh Regiment of Meade's, Eastman's battery,
and before night the Fourth Michigan, Twelfth New
York, and Berdan's Sharp-shooters came in to reinforce
the line and relieve regiments exhausted of ammunition.
The battle was in close conflict till nine o'clock at night,
when Hill was obliged to give over till morning. The
Federal reinforcements were not all engaged, and some
that were suffered but little ; none very severely. McCall
replenished ammunition and prepared to renew the fight
the next morning.
The Federal loss in the engagement was 361 aggre-
gate.*
No especial account of the Confederate loss was made
in separate report, but it could not have been less than
two thousand, and may have reached three thousand.
* EebcUion RecN'n-d, vol. xi. part ii. p. 88.
FIGHTING ALONG THE CUICKAHOMINY. 125
I
(Jeneral D. H. Hill reported of his Forty-fourth Greorgia
Regiment, the lieutenant-colonel, Estes (J. B.), wounded,
and others, aggregating 334 killed and wounded. Of his
First North Carolina Regiment, Colonel Stokes, Major
Skinner, six captains, and tlie adjutant killed, and 133
privates killed and wounded.
During the night General McClellan ordered his troops
withdrawn. Tliey retired at daylight on the 27tli, leaving
a line of skirmishers to cover their march. The skir-
mishers were not seriously molested, tlie Confederates
being satisfied that the direct assault had failed, and the
flanking march non-aggressive. Early in the morning,
D. H. Hill was ordered to march to the left to turn the
position, and was on the Federal right before their lines
were well out of their trenches. He came up with Jack-
son and led the march of that column from Hundley's
Corner. A. P. Hill marched by the direct route to
Gaines's Mill, and Longstreet, in reserve, moved by tlie
route nearer the river and Dr. Gaines's house.
D. H. Hill marched by Bethesda Church to Old Cold
Harbor. He understood the plan of campaign and
promptly engaged the new position along the Chicka-
hominy Heights, on the enemy's right, where he found
a well-posted battery of ten guns near swamp lands
commanding the only road of approach. He ordered
Bondurant's battery into action, but the combat was
unequal ; the latter was forced to retire, and General
Jackson ordered the division back to selected ground
parallel to a road over which he supposed that the Fed-
erals would presently retreat.
As my division was in reserve, it could only be used in
the last extremity. So the driving could only be made by
the division of A. P. Hill, while Jackson, Avith his own,
Ewell's, D. H. Hill's, and Whiting's divisions, had more
than half of our moving column, organized as our leading
battle force, held in ambush for the enemy.
120 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
The enemy waa found strongly posted upon high ground
over the Grapevine Bridge, forming a semicircle, his flanks
near the river. A deep and steep chaam in front of his
left divided the height upon which he stood from an open
plateau over which he must be attacked, if at all, on his
left. The side slope leading up to that position was covered
by open forest, obstructed and defended by fallen trees.
On the crest were felled trees, occasional sand-bags, piles
of rails, and knapsacks. Behind these lines were the di-
visions of Sykes and Morell, with bristling artillery for
the first defence, with McCall's division of infantry and a
tremendous array of artillery in reserve. Further strength
was given to the position by a stream which cut in between
the two heights with deep scarped banks. His right was
covered to some extent by swamp lands and forest tangles
almost as formidable as the approach towards his left.
General Fitz-John Porter was the commander on the field.
A. P. Hill came upon a detachment at Gaines's Mill,
forced his way across the creek, and followed to the
enemy's strong position, where he promptly engaged about
the time of D. H. Hill's withdrawal. He found himself
fighting not only strong numbers, but against a very strong
defensive ground. As General D. H. Hill withdrew. Gen-
eral Porter prepared to follow, but the fierce assaults of
A. P. Hill told him that he must hold his concentration.
It was a little after two p.m. when A. P. Hill put all of
his force into action and pressed his battle with great zeal
and courage, but he was alone. Jackson, finding the fire of
the enemy steady and accumulating against A. P. Hill,
ordered his troops forward into action. D. H. Hill en-
gaged again at the swamp land, and found that he must
capture the battery firing across his advance. With the
aid of some of Elzey's brigade he succeeded in this, tem-
porarily, but Sykes doubled on him, recovered it, and put
it again into action. Parts of Ewell and Lawton, of
Jackson's, came in on D. H. Hill's right. Meanwhile,
FIGHTTXO ALOXO THE CHICKAHOMTXY. 12?
A. P. Hill had fought to exhaustion, and found himself
obliged to put his troops down to hold his line. The
enemy putting in his reserves, spliced his thinned ranks
with artillery and infantry, and fought a desperate and
very gallant battle, calling for troops from across the
river.
My division came up near A. P. Hill's rear, being the
reserve, and awaited orders. About five o'clock a messen-
ger came from General Lee asking a diversion by part
of my troops against the enemy's left to draw off troops
from his right, so as to let our left in through his weak-
ening lines. Three brigades were sent to open fire and
threaten their left from the forest edge, with orders not to
cross the open. These brigades engaged steadily, and
parts of them essayed to pass the field in front as their
blood grew hot, but were recalled, with orders repeated to
engage steadily, only threatening aasault. The army all
the while engaged in efforts to find a point that could be
forced.
Finally, a little before sunset, General Lee sent to me
to say that " all other efforts had foiled, and unless I could
do something, the day was lost." * Pickett's brigade and
part of R. H. Anderson's had been drawn up under the
crest in rear of A. P. Hill's right, and Kemper's brigade
was near, also under cover. Upon the receipt of tlie last
messiige, Pickett and Anderson were ordered into action
as assaulting columns, and Kemper called up. Just as
the brigades advanced. General Whiting bui'st through
the woods with his own and Hood's brigades, reported
to me that he had lost sight of his commander, General
Jackson, in the forest, and asked me to put him into
battle. He was ordered to form for assault, and to follow
on the left of Pickett's and Anderson's columns, then in
motion, as the columns of direction. As my troops reached
* From memory I wiU say that this message from General Lee was
delivered by Captain A. P. Mason.
128 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
the crest under which they had rested they came under
the full blaze of the battle, but Pickett and Anderson
were comparatively fresh, and dashed through the open
and down the sloj^e before the fire had time to thin tlieir
ranks. The steep descent of the hither slope from its
crest soon took them below the fire of the l)atteries, and
A. P. Hill's severe fight had so thinned the enemy's in-
fantry lines of men and ammunition that their fire grow
weaker. Whiting's brigade, sore under its recent disas-
trous eifort in the battle of Seven Pines, drifted from mv
left towards the woodland, but Hood, with his Fourth
Texas Regiment and Eighteenth Greorgia, obliqued to the
right behind that brigade and closed the interval towards
Anderson's left, leaving his other regiments, the First and
Fifth Texas, on Whiting's left. Hood clambered over the
deep ravine with his two regiments and maintained posi-
tion with the assaulting columns, while the balance of
Whiting's division followed in close echelon. As the
advanced lines of Pickett, Anderson, and Hood reached
and crowned the stronghold of the enemy, Anderson and
Pickett moved up in pursuit of the broken lines, and were
almost in possession of their massed reserve artillery —
had it under easy musketry range — when a dash of cav-
alry admonished them that their ranks, while in order for
following the infantry lines, were not in proper form to
receive a charge of cavalry. They concentrated well
enough to pour a repelling fire into the troopers, but the
delay had made time for the retreating infantry to open
the field for the reserve batteries, and, night growing
apace, they returned to the line of tlieir trophies and used
the captured guns against their late owners.
Greneral Whiting asked for another brigade of Jackson's
that had reported to me, and turned his forces against the
enemy's line on our left. The divisions of Ewell and
D. H. Hill advancing at the same time, the general break
seemed almost simultaneous, and was claimed by all.
FIGHTING ALOXG THE CHICK A HOMINY. 129
The messages from General Lee were so marked by
their prompt and successful execution that, in reporting
of the battle, it occurred to me that they could be better
noted in his report than in mine, but he adopted the
claim of a general and simultaneous break along the line.
A letter from General Porter, written since the war,
assures the writer that his guns had become so foul from
steady protracted fire that his men had difficulty in ram-
ming their cartridges to the gun-chambers, and that in
some instances it could only be accomplished by putting
the rammers against trees and hammering them down.
The position was too strong to leave room to doubt that
it was only the thinning fire, as the battle progressed, that
made it assailable ; besides, the repulse of A. P. Hill's re-
peated, desperate assaults forcibly testified to the fact. It
was, nevertheless, a splendid charge, by peerless soldiers.
When the cavalry came upon us our lines were just thin
enough for a splendid charge upon artillery, but too thin
to venture against a formidable cavalry. Five thousand
prisoners were turned over to General Lee's provost-guard,
a number of batteries and many thousand small-arms to
the Ordnance Department, by my command. The Con-
federate commanders, except A. P. Hill, claimed credit for
the first breach in General Porter's lines, but the solid
ranks of prisoners delivered to the general provost-guard,
and the several batteries captured and turned in to the Ord-
nance Department, show the breach to have been made
by the columns of Anderson, Pickett, and Hood's two
regiments. The troops of the gallant A. P. Hill, that did
as much and effective fighting as any, received little of
the credit properly due them. It was their long and
steady fight that thinned the Federal ranks and caused
them to so foul their guns that they were out of order
when the final struggle came.
Early on the 28th my advance, reaching the river,
found the bridges destroyed and the enemy concentrating
9
130 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX'.
on the other side. Under tlie impression that the enemy
must reopen connection with his base on the Pamunkey,
General Lee sent Stuart's cavalry and part of Jackson's
command (Ewell's) to interpose <m that line. They cut
the line at Despatch Station, where Ewell's division was
halted. Stuart, following down towards the depot on the
Pamunkey till he approached the White House, cut off* a
large detachment of cavalry and liorse artillery under
General Stoneman that retreated down the Peninsula.
At night Stuart rested his command, finding supplies of
forage and provisions abandoned by the enemy. At the
same time fires were seen along the line of supplies, and
houses in flames. On the 29th he followed towards the
depot, still in flames.
*^ The command was now entirely out of rations and the horses
without forage. I had relied on the enemy at the White House
to supply me with those essentials, and I was not disappointed, in
spite of their efforts to destroy everything. Provisions and deli-
cacies of every description lay in heaps, and men regaled them-
selves on fruits of the tropics as well as the substantials of the
land. Large quantities of forage were left also." *
On the 28th, Major Meade and Lieutenant Johnson,
engineers, were sent from my head-quarters to learn of
the enemy's operations or movements. Early on the 29th
they made their way across the Chickahominy, into the
grounds and works of the enemy just left vacant, and sent
the fii'st account of the enemy's move on his change of
base. The conflagrations of the day before told of speedy
change of position in some direction, but this w^as the first
information we had from a reliable source. Their report
was sent to General Lee. While planning and ordering
pursuit, he received a similar report from General Magru-
der, coupled with the statement that he was preparing to
attack one of the enemv's forts.
* Rebelliou Record, vol. xi. part ii. p. 517. Stuart.
FIGHTIXO ALOXG THE OHICKAHOMIXY. 131
General Jackson was ordered to follow on the enemy's
rear with his column, including the division of D. H. Hill,
crossing the river at Grapevine Bridge, Magruder to join
pursuit along the direct line of retreat, Huger to strike at
the enemy's flank ; meanwhile, Riinsom's brigade had
joined Iluger's division. My division was to cross with
A. P. Hill's at New Bridge, march back near Richmond,
across to and down the Darbytown road to interpose be-
tween the enemy and Jame^ River. Stuart was directed
to operate against the enemy's left or rear, or front, as best
he could.
All the commands, being in waiting, marched at the
first moment of their orders.
Jackson was long delayed repairing Grapevine Bridge.
He probably knew that the river was fordable at that
season, but preferred to pass his men over dry-shod.
General D. H. Hill, of that column, rej^orted, —
** Scouts from Hoo<Vs brigade and the Third Alabama (Rodes's
brigade) succeeded in crossing, and my pioneer ox)rp8 under Cap-
tain Smith, of the Engineers, repaired Grapevine Bridge on the
29th, and we crossed over at three o'clock that night." *
On the 28th the Seventh and Eighth Georgia Regi-
ments were sent out a little before night to ascertain the
probable movements of the enemy, and encountered part of
W. F. Smith's division. Sixth Corps, meeting the Forty-
ninth Pennsylvania and Thirty-third New York Regi-
ments. Colonel Lamar and Lieutenant-Colonel Towers
and Adjutant Harper, of the Eighth Georgia Regiment,
fell into the enemy's hands, and twenty-nine others of the
Seventh and Eighth Regiments were taken prisoners.
Just as this affair was well begun a recall of the regiments
was ordered ; hence the number of casualties. About the
same hour a cavalry affair at Despatch Station occurred
which resulted to the credit of the Confederates.
♦ RebeUion Record, vol. xi. part ii. p. 627. D. H. HilL
132 FROM MAXA88AS TO APPOMATTOX.
At night General McClellan called his corps command-
ers to head-quarters and announced his plan for change
of base to the James River. The Fourth Corps had been
ordered to prepare the route of crossing at White Oak
Swamp, and pass over to defend it. The Fifth and Slo-
cum's division of the Sixth were to follow at night of the
28th. The Second, Third, and Smith's division of the
Sixth Corps were to defend the crossing against pursuit ;
the Fourth, continuing its move, was to stand at Turkey
Bridge, defending the approach from Richmond by the
river road ; the Fifth to stand at Malvern Hill, with
McCall's division across the Ijong Bridge road, and Slo-
cum's across the Charles City road, defending the avenues
of approach from Richmond. On the 29th, Magruder in
pursuit came upon Sumner's (Second) corps at Allen's
Farm, and, after a spirited affair, found Sumner too strong
for him. After his success, Sumner retired to Savage
Station, where he joined Franklin with his division under
Smith. The Third Corps (Heintzelman's), under mis-
conception of orders, or misleading of staff-officers, fol-
lowed the marching corps across the swamp, leaving the
Second and Smith's division of the Sixth as the only
defending forces. At Savage Station, Magruder came
upon them and again joined battle, but his force was
not equal to the occasion, Tlie commander of his left
(D. R. Jones), realizing the importance of action and the
necessity for additional troops, called upon General Jack-
son to co-operate on his left, but Jackson reported that
he had other important duties to perform. The affair,
therefore, against odds was too strong for Magruder, so
that he was forced back without important results for the
Confederates, the Federals making safe passage of the
crossing and gaining position to defend against pursuit in
that quarter.
On the 29th, General Holmes marched down the James
River road to New Market with jiart of Colonel Daniel's
FIGHTING ALONG THE CHICK AHOMINY. 133
brigade and two batteries, and General J. G. Walker's
brigade and two batteries, and was there reinforced by
part of General Wise's brigade and two batteries, in co-
operative position to my division and that of A. P. Hill,
on the Darbyt6wn and Long Bridge roads.
On his night march along the Long Bridge road, Fitz-
John Porter got on the wrong end and rubbed up against
my outpost, but recognized his adversary in time to recover
his route and avert a night collision. He posted McCall's
division in front of Charles City cross-roads ; his divisions
ander Morell and Sykes at Malvern Hill, and Warren's
brigade, near the Fourth Corps, on the river routes from
Richmond. As the divisions of the Third Corps arrived
they were posted, — Kearny between the Charles City
and Long Bridge roads, on McCaH's right ; Hooker, in
front of the Quaker road, on McCall's left ; Sedgwick's
division, Sumner's corps, behind McCall.
Before noon of the 30th, Jackson's column encountered
Franklin, defending the principal crossing of White Oak
Swamp by the divisions of Richardson and W. F. Smith
and Naglee's brigade. About the same time my command
marched down the Long Bridge road and encountered the
main force of McClellan's army posted at the Charles
City cross-roads (Frayser's Farm, or Glendale). My
division was deployed across the Long Bridge road in
front of the divisions of McCall and Kearny, holding
the division of A. P. Hill at rest in the rear, except the
brigade under Branch, which was posted off to my right
and rear to guard against Hooker's division, standing
behind the Quaker road, in threatening position on my
right flank. The ground along the front of McCall and
Kearny was a dark forest, with occasional heavy tangles,
as was the ground in front of Hooker. The front of
Slocum, along the Charles City road, was something simi-
lar, but offering some better opportunities for artillery
practice and infantry tactics.
134 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
As Jackson and Franklin engaged in artillery combat,
my division advanced under desultory fire of skirmishers
to close position for battle, awaiting nearer approach of
Jackson and signal of approach of our troops on the
Charles City road. In the wait the skirmish-lines were
more or less active, and an occasional shot came from one
of the Federal batteries.
During the combat between Jackson and Franklin,
Sedgwick's brigades under Dana and Sully were sent back
to reinforce at the crossing, but upon the opening of the
engagement at Frayser's Farm they were brought back
on the double-quick.
After a time reports of cannon fire came from the direc-
tion of Charles City road, signalling, as we sup])osed, the
approach of Huger's column. To this I ordered one of
our batteries to return salutation. The senior brigadier
of the division, R. H. Anderson, was assigned to imme-
diate supervision of my front line, leaving his brigade
under Colonel M. Jenkins. While awaiting the nearer
approach of Jackson or the swelling volume of Huger's
fire, the President, General Lee, and General A. P. Hill,
with their staffs and followers, rode forward near my line
and joined me in a little clearing of about three acres,
curtained by dense pine forests. All parties engaged in
pleasant talk and anticipations of the result of a combina-
tion supposed to be complete and prepared for concen-
trating battle, — Jackson attacking in the rear, Huger on
the right flank, A. P. Hill and myself standing in front.
Very soon we were disturbed by a few shelU tearing and
screaming through the forests over our heads, and pres-
ently one or two burst in our midst, wounding a courier
and killing and wounding several horses. The little
opening was speedily cleared of the distinguished group
that graced its meagre soil, and it was left to more humble,
active combatants.
Near the battery from which the shots came was R. H,
FIGHTING ALONG THE CIIICKAHOMINY. 135
Anderson's brigade, in which Colonel Jenkins had a bat-
talion of practised sharp-shooters. I sent orders for Jen-
kins to silence the battery, under the impression that our
wait was understood, and that the sharp-shooters would be
pushed forward till they could pick off the gunners, thus
ridding us of that annoyance ; but the gallant Jenkins,
only too anxious for a dash at a battery, charged and
captured it, thus precipitating battle. The troops right
and left going in, in the same spirit, McCall's fire and the
forest tangle thinned our ranks as the lines neared each
other, and the battle staggered both sides, but, after a for-
midable struggle, the Confederates won the ground, and
Randol's gallant battery. Sedgwick's division reinforced
the front and crowded back the Confederate right, while
Kearny's, reinforced by Slocum, pushed severely against
my left, and then part of Hooker's division came against
my right. Thus the aggressive battle became defensive,
but we held most of the ground gained from McCall.
In his official account, General Heintzelman said, —
^*Iii less than an hour General McCalPs division gave way.
General Hooker, being on his left, by moving to the right re-
pulsed the rebels in the handsomest manner and with great
slaughter. General Sumner, who was with General Sedgwick, in
McCalPs rear, also greatly aided with his artillery and infantry
in driving back the enemy. They now renewed the attack with
vigor on Kearny's left, and were again repulsed with heavy loss.
The attcick continued until some time after night.
'^ This attack commenced at four p.m. and was pushed by heavy
m'cisses with the utmost determination and vigor. Captain Thomp-
son's battery, directed with great skill, firing double charges,
swept them back. The whole open space, two hundred paces
wide, was filled with the enemy. Each repulse brought fresh
troops.
'^Seeing that the enemy was giving way, I retiurned to the
forks of the road, where I received a call from G^eneral Kearny
for aid. Knowing that all of General Sedgwick's troops were
unavailable, I was glad to avail myself of the kind offer of Gen-
eral Slocum to send the New Jersey brigade of bis division to
13G FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
General Kearny's aid. I rode out far enough on the Charles
City road to see that we had nothing to fear from that direc-
tion." *
General MeCall reported, —
"1 had ridden into the regiment to endeavor to check them,
but with only partial success. It was my fortune to witness one
of the fiercest bayonet charges that ever occurred on this con-
tinent. Bayonet wounds, mortal and slight, were given and
received. I saw skulls smashed by the butts of muskets, and
every effort made by either party in this life-and-death struggle
proving indeed that here Greek had met Greek. The Seventh
Begiment was at this time on the right of the Fourth, and was
too closely engaged with a force also of great superiority in num-
bers to lend any assistance to the gallant few of the Fourth who
were struggling at their side. In fine, these few men, some sev-
enty or eighty, were borne bodily off among the rebels, and when
they reached a gap in the fence walked through it, while the
enemy, intent on pursuing those in front of them, passed on
without noticing them.
*^ It was at this moment, on witnessing this scene, I keenly
felt the want of reinforcements. I had not a single regiment left
to send to the support of those so overpowered. There was no
running, but my division, reduced by the furious battles to less
than six thousand, had to contend with the divisions of Longstreet
and A. P. Hill (considered two of the strongest and best among
many of the Confederate army, numbering that day eighteen or
twenty thousand men), and it was reluctantly compelled to give
way before heavier force accumulated upon them. My right was,
as I say, literally forced oflF the ground by the weight simply of
the enemy's column."
His account is incorrect in the estimate of numbers and
the two divisions. Hill was not put in until a later hour,
and encountered the troops of Kearny and Slocum.
Hill's orders were to hold the line gained until Jackson
and Huger approached, to warrant more aggressive battle.
Magruder's march had been directed to succor Holmes.
* Rebellion Record, vol. xi. part ii. p. 100. Heiutzelman.
FIGHTING ALONG THE CHICK AHOMINY. 137
In his oflficial account, General Holmes wrote of parts of
his cavalry and artillery, " whose conduct was shameful
in the extreme." He reported his casualties :
''Daniel's brigade, 2 killed, 22 wounded; Walker's brigade,
12 wounded ; artillery, 15 wounded.
"The strength of the enemy's position and their imposing
numbers were such that to attempt an attack upon them with my
small force, unsupported, would have been perfect madness ; for
to have done this would have required a march of over three-
quarters of a mile up a steep hill destitute of cover. I accord-
ingly withdrew about nine p.m. to a position somewhat in advance
of that occupied in the morning." *
In his account of the fight, General Kearny wrote, —
''At four P.M. the attack commenced on my line with a deter-
mination and vigor, and in such masses, as I had never witnessed.
Thompson's battery, directed with great skill, literally swept the
slightly falling open space with the completest execution, and,
mowing them down by ranks, would cause the survivors to mo-
mentarily halt; but, almost instantly after, increased masses
came up, and the wave bore on. . . .
''In concluding my report of this battle, one of the most des-
perate.of the war, the one most fatal, if lost, I am proud to give
my thanks and to include in the glory of my own division the
First New Jersey Brigade, General Taylor, who held McCall's
deserted ground, and (Jeneral Caldwell." f
A. P. Hill's division was held at rest several hours
after the battle was pitched (Branch's brigade on guard
on my right retired, and Gregg's on my left). Under our
plan, that Huger was to assault the Federal right and
Jackson the rear, the battle joined ; Hill was to be put in
fresh to crown it. As night approached without indications
of attack from either of those columns. Hill was advanced
to relieve the pressure against my worn troops. At the first
* Bebellion Record, vol. xi. part 11. p. 107.
t Ibid., pp. 162>104.
138 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
dash he again grasped and held Randol's battery, that
had been the source of contention from the first oni?et.
Field's brigade pushed on through the enemy's line, and,
supported by Pender's and Branch's, drove back rein-
forcements coming to their succor from one of Sedgwick's
brigades ; pushed Cakhvell's off to Kearny's position,
where, with the additional aid of juirt of Slocum's divi-
sion, Kearny succeeded in recovering his own ground
and in putting Caldwell's brigade into ])art of McCalVs
original right, leaving the Confederates holding part of
McCall's first line, Field's brigade some little distance in
advance of it. Archer and Branch, on Field's right,
made strong that part of it. Gregg's brigade on the left
made little progress beyond holding most of the ground
taken by the first assault. The battle thus braced held
its full and swelling volume on both sides. My right,
thinned by the heavy fighting and tangled forest, found a
way around the left of the contention, then gravitating
towards its centre. In this effort Hooker's division came
against its right flank. By change of front a clever fight
was made, but Branch's brigade, ordered for service at
that point, had been withdrawn by General Hill to sup-
port his centre, so that Hooker pushed us off into closed
ranks along our line in rear and back ; but his gallant on-
set was checked and failed of progress. General Hooker
claimed that he threw Longstreet over on Kearny, but
(jeneral McCall said that by a little stretch of the hyper-
bole he could have said that he threw Longstreet over the
moon. To establish his centre. Hill sent in J. R. Ander-
son's brigade astride the Long Bridge road, which held
the battle till the near apj^roach of night, when McCall,
in his last desperate eflfort to reinforce and recover his lost
ground, was caught in the dark of twilight and invited to
ride to my head-quarters. Friends near him discovered
his dilemma in time to avert their own capture, and ag-
gressive battle ceased. The artillerv combat, wnth occa-
FIGHTING ALONG THE CHICK AHOMINY. 139
sional exchanges of shots, held till an hour after the beat
of tattoo.
It was the Forty-seventh Virginia Regiment that caught
and invited General McCall to quarter with the Confed-
erates. Although his gallant division had been forced
from the fight, the brave head and heart of the general
were not fallen till he found himself on his lonely ride.
He was more tenacious of his battle than any one who
came within my experience during the war, if I except
D. H. Hill at Sharpsburg.
In years gone by I had known him in pleasant army
service, part of the time as a brevet lieutenant of his
company. When the name was announced, and as he
dismounted, I approached to offer my hand and such
amenities as were admissible under the circumstances, but
he drew up with haughty mien, which forbade nearer ap-
proach, so that the courtesies were concluded by the offer
of staff-officers to escort him to the city of Richmond.
It was during this affair that General Holmes's division
advanced against the Federals at Turkey Bridge with a
six-gun field battery and engaged, and was met by the
fire of thirty field guns and the gunboat batteries, which
drove him to confusion, abandoning two guns. Earlier
in the day, Magruder's column had been ordered by a
long detour to support the fight at Frayser's Farm, but
the trouble encountered by Holmes's division seemed
serious, and caused the Confederate commander to divert
Magruder's march to support that point, through which a
resolute advance might endanger our rear at Frayser's
Farm. After night Magruder was called to relieve the
troops on the front of my line. His march during the
day was delayed by his mistaken guide.
The Confederates claimed as trophies of the battle ten
pieces of artillery, some prisoners, and most of the field
from which McCall's division had been dislodged.
HolinC8'9 diyisioa lost two guns in the affair at Turkey
140 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Bridge, but other Confederates secured and afterwards
made better use of them. Meanwhile, the Federals were
anxiously pushing their trains to cover on the river, and
before noon of July 1 all, except those of necessary am-
munition, had. safely passed the field selected for their
Malvern Hill battle. Colonel Fairfax, who was sent to
quicken the movements of General Jackson's column,
describes his ride as follows :
'* Potomac, Va., April 24, 1902.
^^Lieutenant-General James Longstreet:
**My Dear General, — At your request, I write what I re-
called to your mind not very long ago, of my awakening and ride
to find Lieutenant General Jackson after the battle of Frazier's
Farm in 1862. After condacting Major-General Magruder, with
his division, to your line of battle, relieving your troops under
cover of darkness, I was very tired, having been in the saddle all
day. I had finally fallen asleep 'mid the mournful groans of the
suffering soldiers under the surgeons' saw and knife, when you
came and laid down on my blanket and upon me, and whispered
in my ear, 'Are you very tired t' Believing you had work for
me, I quickly answered, ' No I' * Can you find (General Jackson t'
was asked. I replied, ' I will try.' To the question, * Which
way will you go,' I made answer, 'Over the white-oak swamps
to the left of where we fought to-day.' 'No; not that way!'
you said, decisively. Then I suggested, ' 'Round by Seven Pines
Battle-field.' *Yes,' you agreed, 'that is the way; tell (General
Jackson that General Lee has a courier taken with ordei-s from
General McClellan that he will attack in the morning; bring
General Jackson up as early as you can ; take a courier with
you.' After a long ride, I reached Greneral Jackson at his camp
on the side of the road near the swamp, about half an hour after
sunrise. I delivered your order and started on return to you,
when General Jackson called, 'Which way are you going!' I
replied, 'Across the swamps on this road.' General Jackson
said, 'You must not go that way.' 'General,' I declared, 'I be-
lieve the enemy have gone.' But General Jackson insisted that
I must wait until the bridge was repaired and go with his escort.
I rode to the swamp, and found his escort there. As soon as the
last plank was placed, I rode over, the escort following.
" Very truly yours,
"JNO. W. Fairfax."
CHAPTER XL
BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL.
Last Stand in the Great Retreat—Strength of McClellan's Poeition —
The Confederates make Poor Use of their Artillery — A Mistake and
Defeat for Lee^s Army — The Campaign as a Whole a Great Success,
but it should have been far greater— McClellan's Retreat showed him
well e(iuipped in the Science of War— Review of the Campaign —
Jackson's and Magruder's Misunderstanding — Moral Effect of the
Gunboats on the James River—*' There should be a Gunboat in Every
Family/'
At Malvern Hill, hardly a league away from Frayser's,
now left to silence save for the moans of the unfortunate
fallen, and standing south of the line to Turkey Bridge,
was Fitz-John Porter with the reserve artillery massed,
supported by the divisions of Sykes and Morell on the left
and Couch's on the right, from the Crew House to J. W.
Binford's. The field had been carefully selected and as
judiciously guarded by well-posted commands, holding
the only way left which gave hope of successful passage
to cover under the gunboats. During the night of the
30th of June and early morn of the 1st of July this po-
sition was reinforced by the retreating Federals, — first by
the Second and Third Corps, McCall's division of the
Fifth, and W. F. Smith's of the Sixth, and later by other
troops. Among the trains moving for the river was one
of ten siege guns under Colonel Tyler. These were
dropped in Porter's rear and put in battery, giving them
a sweep of the avenues of approach and extensive rake
of the woodlands, and a great number of lighter batteries
bristled upon the brow and down the slopes of the hill.
On either flank the plateau was somewhat guarded by
ravines and tangled marsh lands, while the front approach
was over ascending slopes, so broken as to make advancing
artillery combat slow and hazardous.
141
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BATTLK Of MALVKRN HILL. 143
siege battery in rear. His guns were all trailed to Jack-
son's front, thus presenting a flank towards the high point
upon which I stood. From the crest at this little ridge the
ground dropped off sharply some eighteen inches or two feet
to a lower terrace, forming a natural parapet and terre-plein
for forty or sixty guns, massed. The spacious open along
Jackson's front appeared to offer a field for play of a hun-
dred or more guns, and although his lower ground was
not inviting of combat even by a hundred guns, it was
yet judged that advancing combat by eighty or a hundred
guns, in combination with the forty-gun battery of posi-
tion, might justify assault, and the tremendous game at
issue called for adventure.
I thought it probable that Porter's batteries, under the
cross-fire of the Confederates thus posted on his left and
front, could be thrown into disorder, and thus make way
for combined assaults of the infantry. I so reported, and
Greneral Lee ordered disposition accordingly, sending the
pioneer corps out to cut a road for the right batteries of
position.
I suggested position to Magruder for his division, but
he insisted that the Quaker road was not correctly located
on General Lee's maps, so I left that part of the order to
be looked after by General Lee's recognized staff. Gen-
eral Chilton, chief of staff, was then sent by General Lee
to assist General Magruder in posting the troops, and I
was ordered back to locate the batteries.
But eight guns came in proper time and were posted.
These General Magruder propased to supplement by thirty
of his own under Colonel S. D. Lee, to be reinforced by
the others as they came up. With this understanding I
returned to head-quarters, made my report, and was per-
mitted to go back to my command proper.
The most convenient point for observing the effect of
the artillery fire was occupied by General Armistead's
brigade. That officer was designated by General Lee to
144 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
give notice, if the combat was successful, by advancing
his brigade, under the shouts of infantry charge, as the
signal for general assault.
The eight guns for the right battery were all that got
into position on time, and Jackson failed to open fire by
advancing all of the batteries along his front, so that the
practice from those quarters was not forcibly executed.
When the eight guns finally opened. Porter shifted his
aim from his proper front, which Jackson failed to combat,
and put in the fire of forty guns against the eight-gun bat-
tery of our right. The gunboat batteries also came into
that practice, but it was found that they damaged friends
almost as much as the enemy, and were ordered to discon-
tinue. Jackson's cross-fire, feeble at best and at long
range, was finally drawn off by other batteries far on the
enemy's right, so that the eight guns were soon piled a
heterogeneous mass of caissons, guns, limbers, and horses.
Some other batteries got into action at the same point,
eight or ten at a time, but suffered like disaster.
So the plan for battle and order of the day were given
over by the Confederate commander, who sent for me to
ride with him over to his left in search of a route by which
the enemy's right might be turned. This seemed feasible
under the hasty reconnoissance, and he ordered the re-
serves on that move. As we started on the march the
noise of battle reached us and the march was arrested.
Under the impression that his officers realized the failure
and abandonment of his original plan. General Lee failed
to issue orders specifically recalling the appointed battle.
It seems that just as the troops marched to the left
under the last order, information was received by some
of the officers at the front that the enemy was getting
away from us.
To ascertain as to this matter, and anxious to atone for
lost opportunities of the day before, part of the troops near
our right moved forward, and soon encountered the enemy's
BATTLE OF MALVERX HILL. 145
in&ntrj, as well as the fonnidable artillery. This impact
burst into the noise of battle, and was taken as the signal
for assault under the original order of the day. From
the right to the left, as far as and including D. H. Hill's
division, the Confederates attacked in splendid style,
making repeated brave charges, but they were as firmly
met by the enemy, and their dead and wounded were
mingled on the same lines. The Confederate ranks thin-
ning rapidly, Magruder called on me for reinforcementi:,
and Jackson was sent to reinforce D. H. Hill's left, but
night closed in upon us before the reinforcements could
get into action.
As the order for battle had been given about noon, and
had been abandoned some hours before the openin*', upon
receiving Magruder's call, I supposed the conlifct had
been brought on by the enemy to force our right Wck
and better clear the route of his retreat. I ordered A
P. Hill direct to Magruder, and my own divi-ion frr
support on our extreme right. The result of the Wtrll
was a repulse of the Confederates along the ^nrir. r
and the sacrifice of several thousand brave rffi !
men, though some of our troops held ^r.„„ i '*''^'
enemy than at the onset of thfliattle D "?"'"' '^"^
the enemy resumed his march for th« ri?""f '"'^'^'^
dead, some of his wounded, and erbJKv- '' f'^''^ ^^^'^
of the precipitate character of his r^ ^^/"^ "'^'"^ "^^^^
Stuart's cavalry had been recallp.1 T'
Chickahommy on the 30th ./^ "^ ^''^'" "'^rth of th-
and reached Jackson's left T„S'' ""' T ^''" """^' ^-''^
The morning of the U o^'^f' ^^T '"' '''-'^'
The storm frontof bursting. ^^vy and oppr-.^, :-,.:.
was changed to a^r ^l^r ^"^ /-^^'"'K U---
the dead that had g^ppSd.r^' '^''"^' '^"'' '^'"--^
Hill. The enemy^tl'"^ f*"^" "^^^'^^^ "r. M^vm.
&^y^^J||j|^n James R.ver, the old .., ,r U.t
our country two President.. Ja^-k-
140 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
s()n stood on the direct route of the enemy's retreat, and
was ordered to foHow it ; ^Fagruder's and Huger's com-
mands to follow Jackson. General Lee rode with them.
D. H. Hill's division was left to care for the wounded and
dead of Malvern Hill. To obviate pressure upon a single
track, the reserve divisions w^ere ordered by Nance's Store,
but the heavy clouds soon began to let down a pelting
rain that became more severe and delayed all movements.
The reports of Jackson and Stuart of the operations of
the 3d are conflicting. The former claimed that he w^as
near the landing on the morning of the 3d, and advanced
his line of skirmishers. The latter reported that he found
during the night of the 2d a fine position on Erlington
Heights, from which the enemy could be shelled out of
his new position by artillery ; that he occupied and held
that position by a squadron and howitzer until driven
from it by the enemy at two o'clock in the afternoon of
the 3d ; that he reported of that position to Generals Lee
and Jackson during the night of the 2d. Other accounts
go with that of Stuart. It seems that the " foot cavalry" *
and the reserve divisions met at the landing late in the
afternoon of the 3d. The troops from the Valley district
had not been engaged in the battles of the march except
that of Gaines's Mill.
At daylight of the 4th I rode to the front, and ordered
General Jackson to drive in the enemy's skirmishers and
prepare to attack. D. R. Jones's division of Magruder's
command, coming up, was ordered on Jackson's left, A. P.
Hill's on his right ; my own division to support Jackson's
direct move for Erlington Heights. After pushing the
skirmish line back, Jackson reported his troops not in con-
dition for the work, and asked delay until the command-
ing general was up. As General Lee w^as reported near,
attack was delayed, and a note was sent asking him to
* A name taken by the infantry from the VaUey district on account
of tlieir swift secret marches.
BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL. 147
ride forward as soon as convenient. He rode up in about
half an hour, and, after mature deliberation, decided that
the attack should not be made. He reinforced his cavalry
and horse artillery by a number of his choicest field bat-
teries, and ordered General Stuart to use them against the
enemy's transports on the lower James. This expedition
did some damage, but the superior batteries of the gun-
boats, convoys of the transports, enabled them to maintain
safe-conduct along the line of supplies and reinforcements.
On the 8th he withdrew his army to points more con-
venient to supplies, and towards the open higliway to
Wiishington City.
Passing in critical review the events of the campaign,
they fail to disclose a flaw as it was projected by the Con-
federate chief. It even opened up grander possibilities
than came within his most hopeful anticipations at the
period of [)rojection.
Tlie Union commander left his Fifth Corps engaged at
Beaver Dam Creek while Jackson's column marched by
it as far as Hundley's Corner and went into camp. The
object and instructions of Jackson's advanced echelon
were to have him file in against any force that he might
pass and attack it in flank and rear. If, instead of going
into camp at Hundley's Corner on the afternoon of the
26tli of June, he had filed to his right behind the Fifth
Corps, he would have had it surrounded by fifty thousand
men beyond the reach of succor.
He was troubled by conflicting orders. The general
order for the campaign and verbal instructions were in-
tended to supersede all others, but General Lee's letter of
the 11th was not recalled, so he marched with the two
orders in his pocket, which made not a little trouble.
Before Jackson's army was called from the Valley, it
was reinforced and organized for our working column.
On the morning of the 27th of June it was further aug-
mented by the division under D. H. Hill and Stuart's
148 FROM MAXA8SAS TO APPOMATTOX.
cavalry. His line of march during the day led him
around Porter's position near Gaines's Mill to the enemy's
right, the most favorable point for attack. He j)artially
engaged by D. H. Hill's division, then withdrew it, and
posted his trooj^s in a position selected to catch the Fed-
erals in their flight from A. P. Hill's division. Finally,
when Porter's defence developed too much strength for
A. P. Hill, he deployed into line of battle from left to
right, overspreading the enemy's entire front.
On the morning of the 28th of June, General Lee
thought to draw McClellan out from his works, force him
to defend his base on the Pamunkey, and to so cripple
him on his retreat as to warrant strong detachments
from his army in the direction of Washington, and thus
force him to defend his own capital.
Before marching to the opening of the campaign, he
ordered a detachment of cavalry to the south side of
White Oak Swamp, under careful watch for the enemy's
movements by vedettes, even as far as Chickahominy
River, so that on the night of the 27th he had a cordon
of troops and vedettes extending completely around Mc-
Clellan's army. Notwithstanding precautions so carefully
laid, McClellan started to march for his new base on the
night of the 27th, continued his preparations and move-
ments through the day and night of the 28th, and the
first reliable information of tlie move towards James
River came from Major Meade and Lieutenant Johnson,
engineers. The information, though coming from a
source least looked for, was more than gratifying to Gen-
eral Lee, for he thought the enemy had essayed a move
not practicable; that General McClellan 's army was in
his power and must be our prize, never to reach the new
base.
Just as he was mapping out orders of pursuit, a staff-
officer of General Magruder's came from the other side
of the river to report the Federal army in retreat, and
BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL. 149
that General Magruder was preparing to assault the fort
in his immediate front. General Lee said, —
*'My compliments to General Magruder, and ask him not to
hurt my young friends, M^jor Meade and Lieutenant Johnson,
who are occupying that fort."
Uniformly military, but courteous in his bearing, it was
very rare that he became facetious when on parade service,
but anticipations that General McClellan was soon to be
his prisoner excused the giving way to impulse born of
this unexpected adventure.
Within an hour his troops on the east side were on the
march for their crossings of the Chickahominy. He then
rode across, gave orders to General Magruder, rode with
him some distance, and repeated the orders before leaving
him.
Following up the rear-guard. General Magruder came
upon it in force at Savage Station. The Second Corps
and Franklin's division under W. F. Smith of the Sixth,
under General Sumner, were posted there to cover the
retreat. Magruder planned battling with his own six
brigades against their front, two brigades of Huger's di-
vision to come on the enemy's left down the Williamsburg
road, Jackson's twelve or fifteen brigades to attack their
right. But when Magruder thought his arrangements
complete, he received a message from General Huger
" that his brigades would be withdrawn." *
Then other information not anticipated came to him, —
viz., that General Jones, commanding on Magruder's left,
called for co-operation in that quarter. General Jackson
sent word in reply that " he had other important duty to
perform."
Referring to Jackson's orders of the 29th, General Lee
wrote General Magruder :
* RebelUon Record, vol. xi. part ii. p. 664.
150 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
'* Head-quarters Department of Northern Virginia,
^' June 29, 1862.
** Major-General J. B. 3Iagruder,
** ComnMfuling Div'mon:
^'General, — I regret luaeh that you have lUiule so little
progress to-day in pureuit of the enemy. In order to reap the
fruits of our victory the pui'suit should be most vigorous. I must
urge you, then, again to press on his rear i^apidly and steadily.
We must lose no time, or he will escape us entirely.
'* Very respectfully yours, etc.,
^^K. E. Lee,
^' General,
''P.S. — Since the order was written, I learn from Major Tay-
lor that you are under the impression that General Jackson has
been ordered not to support you. On the contraiy, he hits l)een
directed to do so, and to push the pursuit vigorously.'' *
Sumner, besides his greater force, having some advan-
tage from the earthworks previously constructed, repulsed
Magruder's attack, and the affair of cross-purposes failed
of effect.
If Jackson could have joined against the right of
Sumner with his brigades, the latter could have been
dislodged, the Confederates passing the swamp with him,
which would have marked the beginning of the end. The
occasion was especially propitious, for Heintzel man's corps,
that had been designated as part of the rear-guard with
Sumner and Franklin, through some misconception had
marched over the swamp, to camp near Charles City cross-
roads, leaving easy work for Jackson and Magruder.
When, on the forenoon of the 30th, Jackson found his
w^ay across the swamp blocked by Franklin, he had time
to march to the head of and across it to the Charles City
road in season for the engagement contemplated at Fray-
ser's Farm, the distance being about four miles. Greneral
Wright, of Huger's division, marched his brigade from
the head of the swamp to Jackson's line at the bridge,
* Rebellion Record, vol. xi. part ii. p. 687.
BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL. 151
and returned, making several halts and crossings to recon-
noitre.
But little remains to be said of the engagements at
Frayser's Farm and Malvern Hill. The former was a
halting failure of combination of forces ; the latter an
accident resulting from the armies standing close abreast
many hours. Malvern Hill left out, the two armies would
have mingled their lines between that and Westover dur-
ing the 3d and 4th of July.
The failure of concert of action by the Confederates
should not discount the conduct of McClellan's masterly
retreat. In the emergency he showed himself well
equipi)ed in the science of war, and prepared to cross
swords with his able adversary. At the opening of the
campaign he had in hand one hundred and five thousand
men. General Lee's returns were not accurately made,
but a fair estimate puts his numbers between eighty and
eighty-five thousand.
The losses of the campaign were, on the Union side,
15,249 ; on the Confederate side, greater ; in the absence of
complete returns, it is fair to say that they were from 18,000
to 19,000. Up to the tune of Malvern Hill the casualties
were about equally divided between the two armies, but
in that battle the Confederates lost not far from 5000
men, and the Federals not more than one-third that
number.
Upon reaching the gunboats, General McClellan's
power was about doubled. Although fire from the gun-
boats was not very effective against a land battle, the
moral effect of fighting batteries that could not be reached
was most powerful. It was reported on the Confederate
side that General McClellan, on boarding one of the
boats, where he spent most of the day of battle, said,
" There should be a gunboat in every family."
Some critics say that McClellan should have taken
Richmond during the campaign. The great Napoleon
152 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
would have done so after the disaster at Malvern Hill
with his regularly organized army of veterans. They
say, too, that Lee should have captured McClellan and
his army. So thought General Lee, but some of his
leaders were working at cross-purposes, and did not have
that close attention that the times called for.
We may now consider the probable result of the plan
mapped out and ordered by General Lee in his letter
of June 11th to General Jackson had it been followed,
— Le.y Jackson to march down the right bank of the
Pamunkey with his troops from the Valley district and
attack McClellan's rear east of the Chickahominy, while
Lee attacked from the Richmond side with his army. On
the Richmond side, McClellan had four army corps, well
fortified, supported by his powerful artillery. The battle
of Gaines's Mill, where the troops from the Valley were
reinforced by four of Lee's choice divisions and most of
his cavalry, — more than doubling Jackson's column, — may
be significant of the result of Jackson's attack on that
side if it had been made as ordered. The battle of Mal-
vern Hill, from an open field, may tell the result of an
attack upon the four corps in their fortified position had
the attack been made upon them from the Richmond front.
CHAPTER XIL
HALLECK AND POPE IN FEDERAL COMMAND.
Centres of Activity gravitate towards Orange and Culpeper Counties—
Pope^s Unsoldierly Preliminary Orders— Jackson^s and Pope's En-
counter at Slaughter Mountain— Confidence in and Esteem for Gen-
eral Lee— The Confederate Commander's Plans for cutting off Pope
miscarry— Capture of Captain Fitzhugh with Important Orders—
Longstreet puts General Toombs under Arrest — General Pope with-
draws.
The Federals had by this time organized the " Army
of Virginia" from the independent forces in the Sfcite, —
the First Corps under General Sigel, the Second under
General Banks, the Third under General McDowell, com-
manded by Major-General John Pope, brought from the
West for that object and appointed June 26. This army
reported July 31, 46,858 strong, for field service.
On the 23d of July, General H. W. Halleck assumed
command of the Federal armies as general-in-chief, by
order of the President of July 11.
The quiet of General McClellan's army at Harrison's
Landing assured General Lee of his opportunity for at-
tention to the movements of the army under General Pope,
working towards Richmond by the Orange and Alexan-
dria Railway. On the 13th of July he ordered General
Jackson, with his own and Swell's division, to Gordons-
ville, to have a watch upon the Federal force operating in
that quarter, promising reinforcements as soon as occasion
should call for them. Stuart was at Hanover Court-
House, in observation towards Fredericksburg, and Rob-
ertson's cavalry was ordered to Jackson, to reinforce his
cavalry under Colonel Munford.
To engage attention pending these movements, General
D. H. Hill, in command on the south side of the James,
158
154 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
was ordered to have all of his artillery on that side avail-
able put in battery on the banks of the river again.st
McClellan's camps on the north t^ide and his transports
on the water.
General Pope immediately displayed bold front as a
divei-sion, seeking to draw General Lee away from Mc-
Clellan.
So General Lee sent General A. P. Hill with his di-
vision to reinforce Jackson, with orders to the latter to
strike out for the enemy in his front.
The threatening attitude of the Confederates at Gor-
donsville caused apprehension at Washington, and induced
the authorities to consider the withdrawal of ]McClellan's
army to reinforce the army under Pope.
Upon receipt of an intimation to that effect, General
McClellan ordered a strong force under General Hooker
to advance in threatening move against General Lee on
the 4th of August. Hooker marched on the 5tli, and
occupied the ground of the battle of Malvern Hill. Gen-
eral Lee ordered the divisions of McLaws, D. R. Jones,
that under Ripley (D. H. Hill's), and my own to march
against Hooker. It was night when our troops were
posted, and before daylight of the next morning Hooker
had marched back to his camp at Harrison's Landing.
Just here, as a digression from following the operations
of the armies of Lee and Pope, it should be remarked
that the latter, by injudicious and unsoldierly attitude
assumed at the outstart of his campaign, intensely in-
censed the people of Virginia and the South generally,
the Confederate army to a man, and probably to a con-
siderable degree discomfited the most considerate and
thoughtful of his own officers and the authorities behind
him. The exigencies of war did not demand some of the
harsh measures that he promulgated, — such, for instance,
as his notorious "General Orders No. 11" and several .
other of his pronunciamentos :
HALLECK AND POPE IX FEDEBAL COMMAND. 155
'* Head-quarters Army of Virginia,
'^Washington, July 23, 1862.
'^ General Orders No. 11.*
** Commanders of army corps, divisions, brigades, and detached
commands will proc/ced immediately to arrest all disloyal male
citizens within their lines or within their reach in rear of their
respective stations.
**Siich as are willing to take the oath of allegiance to the
United States, and will furnish sufficient security for its observ-
ance, shall be permitted to remain at their homes and pursue in
good faith their accustomed avocations. Those who refuse shall
be conducted south beyond the extreme pickets of this army, and
be notified that if found again anywhere within our lines, or at
any point in rear, they will be considered spies, and subjected to
the extreme rigor of military law.
''If any person, having taken the oath of allegiance as above
si)ecified, be found to have violated it, he shall be shot, and his
property seized and applied to the public use.
"All communication with any person whatever living within
the lines of the enemy is positively prohibited, except through
the military authorities and in the manner specified by military
law ; and any person concerned in writing or in carrying letters
or messages iu any other way will be considered and treated as a
spy within the lines of the United States army.
"By command of Major-General Pope.
"Geo. D. Euggles,
" Colonel, As^istatU AdpUant- General, and Chief of Staff. ^^
This was a measure of uunecessary severity towards
non-combatants, and had an unsalutary effect. When
men volunteer to fight in their country's cause they should
be credited with faith in its righteousness, and with expec-
tations of meeting soldiers worthy of their mettle. Ap-
peals to turn their strength against women and children
and non-combatants are offensive to manhood, demoral-
izing in influence, and more likely to aggravate and pro-
long war spirit than to open ways of order and amity.
Besides, such orders indicate a flaw in the armor of the
author.
* Rebellion Record, vol, xii. part 11. p. 52.
156 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
General Scott set an example worthy of eternal emula-
tion. In his march through Mexico he was as strict in the
requirement of order and protection for non-combatants
as he could have been in marching through his own civil
communities. The result was speedy peace, respect from
all the people, admiration and affection from many.
When A. P. Hill's division joined General Jackson at
Gordonsville, General Pope's army was possted, — the First
Corps (Sigel's) at Sperryville, the Second (Banks's) at
Culpeper Court-House, the Third (McDowell's), one di-
vision near Culpeper Court-House, and one at Fredericks-
burg— these two under Ricketts and King respectively ;
his cavalry under Buford, Bayard, and Hatch along the
Rapidan from the Blue Ridge to Fredericksburg.
The point held by his left was thought essential by the
Washington authorities as holding the way for reinforce-
ments from McClellan's army on the James to join in
the contemplated march by General Pope's route to Rich-
mond.
On the 2d of August, Jackson sent part of his cav-
alry forward as far as Orange Court-House, under Colonel
W. E. Jones, who encountered at that point a formidable
cavalry guard of the enemy, when a spirited affair oc-
curred, creditable alike to both sides. This was followed
up, on the 8th, by the advance of Jackson's entire force,
his own division under Winder leading, Ewell's and A. P.
Hill's following.
General Pope's outpost at Cedar Run, held by cavalry
and Crawford's brigade of infantry, had meantime been
reinforced by the balance of the Second Corps under
Banks, and Ricketts's division put in supporting position
of the advance post.
On the 9th, Jackson advanced and found the enemy in
strong position at Cedar Run. His division under Ewell
was posted on the northeast slope of Slaughter Mountain,
his own division under Winder formed to the left. The
HALLECK AND POPE IN FEDERAL COMMAND. 157
engagement was pitched and soon became severe. While
yet posting his troops, Winder was mortally struck by
a fragment of shell. Banks, gaining confidence in his
battle, moved forward to closer and severe fight and held
it an hour, at points putting Jackson's troops in disorder.
Jackson, reinforced by A. P. HilFs brigades, recovered
his lost ground, advanced and renewed attack, drove the
enemy back, engaged against reinforcements of Ricketts's
division, continued the fight till near midnight, then reor-
ganized for battle away from the immediate front of the
enemy, where he awaited next day. During the evening
of the 9th, Pope received his First Corps under Sigel and
called up McDowell's division, under King, from Freder-
icksburg. On the 10th both armies remained quiet. On
the lltli a flag of truce was sent in asking for time to
bury the dead, which Jackson granted, and extended to a
late hour of the day. King's division coming up, Pope
decided to engage again on the 12th, but Jackson, having
information of the extent of reinforcements, decided to
withdraw during the night.
The loss was severe on both sides, — Jackson's, 1276,
including his most promising brigadier, Winder ; Pope's,
2381, including three brigadiers, two wounded and one
taken prisoner.
After drawing King's division to his field, General
Pope had about thirty-six thousand present for service.
Jackson's reports as to these forces were such that he ac-
cepted the advice of prudence and retired to stronger
ground on the right bank of the Rapidan.
In the battle of the 9tli the troops engaged were, ac-
cording to official return of July 31,* —
Second Corps (Banks's), artiUery and infantry 14,567
Ricketts's division, half of Third Corps, artillery and infantry . 9,287
Total 23,8^54
* Kebellion Becord, vol. xU. part ii. p. 53.
158 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
The absence of Lawton's brigade and cue from Jack-
son's division reduced his force to something less tlian
eighteen thousand. The troops engaged in battle, how-
ever, were not far from equal, Jackson probably the
sti'onger.
That this was only a partial success — coming on the
heels of the cruel orders of the Federal commander — was
gratifying to the Confederates, and encouraging as well.
Inaction of the Army of the Potomac gave General
Lee opportunity for movement of his troops towards Wash-
ington and the army under General Pope. On the 15th
1 was ordered to Gordons ville by the Central Railroad
with ten brigades. Two others under Hood at Hanover
Junction were ordered to join me.
Before despatching my corps. General Lee expressed
his thought to advance the right column and cavalry by
the lower fords of the Rapidan, the left by the fords
above the railroad bridge, but left the question open, with
orders to me to work on it.
The brigades that moved with me were D. R. Jones's,
Kemper's, Pickett's, Pry or 's, Jenkins's, Featherston's,
Wilcox's, Toombs's, Evans's, and Drayton's. Hood's
and Whiting's joined us near Gordonsville, Hood com-
manding the dcmi-di vision, — his own and Whiting's
brigades.
It may be well to write just here that experience during
the seven days about Richmond established between Gen
eral Lee and his first lieutenant relations of confidence
and esteem, official and personal, which ripened into
stronger ties as the mutations of war bore heavier upon
us. He always invited the views of the latter in moves of
strategy and general policy, not so much for the purpose of
having his own views approved and confirmed as to get new
light, or channels for new thought, and was more pleased
w^hen he found something that gave him new strength
than with efforts to evade his questions by compliments.
HALLECK AND POPE IN FEDERAL COMMAND. 159
When oppressed by severe study, he sometimes sent for
me to say that he had applied liimself so closely to a
matter that he found his ideas running around in a circle,
and was in need of help to find a tangent. Our personal
relations remained as sincere after the war until politics
came between us in 1867.
General Pope was industriously increasing his strength.
The Ninth Corps, General Burnside, had been ordered to
Fredericksburg via Acquia Creek, and a division under
General Reno of eight thousand of that corps reported to
the commander at Culpeper Court-House on the 14th.
Besides reinforcements called to support him from General
McClellan's army. Pope was authorized to call to his aid
the greater part of the army in West Virginia under
General Cox.
After reaching Gordonsville and learning something
of the position of the armies, and more of the features of
the country, it occurred to me that a move against General
Pope's right would give us vantage-ground for battle and
pursuit, besides the inviting foot-hills of the Blue Ridge
for strategy, and this preference was expressed to General
Lee.* He joined us on the 15th, and the brigades, in-
cluding those under Hood, were advanced to position for a
general march. He thought it better to strike in between
General Pope's left and the reinforcements that could
join him from Fredericksburg than to adopt the proposi-
tion to move his army by the upper fords of the Rapidan
and strike down upon the enemy's right, and decided to
throw his right wing forward by the Raccoon Ford, and
his left by the Somerville Ford, the latter above the rail-
road,— Fitzhugh Lee and Robertson's cavalry with his
right, and T. T. Munford's with the left wing ; General
Stuart with the column on the right.
My command marched on the 16th to position for cross-
* His letter of August 14, 1862 : Rebellion Record.
1(50 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
ing by the lower fords. Jackson was in position for the
upper crossings. As all of the cavalry was not up, General
Lee ordered his march for the 18th, to give time for the
arrival of General Stuart and his marching troopers.
L(»aving the cavalry on the march, under General Fitz-
hugh Lee, with instructions to camp on the plank-road
opposite Raccoon Ford on the 17th, General Stuart rode
on the care to General Lee's head-quarters, received his
orders, and rode out on the plank-road to join his com-
mand under Fitzhugh Lee, then due. The latter, how-
ever, ^* by failure to comply with instructions," as his
commander expressed it subsequently, lost a day in a
roundabout ride, which so jaded his horses that another
day ^vas sacrificed to give them rest. As if this were not
sufficient misfortune. Captain Fitzhugh (General J. E. B.
Stuart's adjutant) was captured, and, as a crowning dis-
aster, the despatch of the Confederate commander giving
instructions for the march of his army as ordered for the
18th was lost. The despatch was taken to General Pope,
who, thus advised by accident, immediately set about re-
tiring from Culpeper to the east bank of the Rappahan-
nock. General Pope reported that
" The cavalry expedition sent out on the 16th in the direction
of Ijoiiisa Court- House captured the adjutant-general of General
Stuait, and was very near capturing that officer himself. Among
the pai>ei's taken was an autograph letter of General Eobert E.
Lee to General Stuart, dated Gordonsville, August 15, which
made manifest to me the position and force of the army, and
their determination to overwhelm the army under my command
before it could be reinforced by any portion of the Army of the
Potomac.'' *
Thus on that day Pope put his army in retreat by the
several crossings of the Rappahannock to its strong camps
of the north side, leaving his cavalry in observation.
* BebelUon Record, vol. xil. part li. p. 29.
HALLECK AND POPE JX FKDERAL COMMAND. IGl
As Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry failed to get to position on
my right on the 17th, I ordered two regiments of infantry
to be posted as guard on the road to Raccoon Ford until
the cavalry could relieve them. The detail fell upon
Toombs's brigade. As we were to be in wait during the
17th, General Toombs rode off that morning to visit an
old Congressional friend, and was absent when the order
was received at his brigade head-quarters. The detail was
filled by his next in rank, Colonel H. L. Benning, and duly
posted. On his return. General Toombs rode upon his
picket, claimed that his troops should not have been moved
except by orders through himself, and ordered the detail
back to their camps. Upon learning of General Stuart's
mishap, and the ride of the Federal cavalry by Raccoon
Ford, I sent to inquire how the cavalry happened to es-
cape my picket-guard. Finding that the troops had been
ordered off by General Toombs, the chief of staff was
directed to put on his sword and sash and order him
under arrest. Afterwards he was ordered to the rear, to
confine himself to the limits of Gordonsville.
In addition to Reno's command, Stevens's division of
the Ninth Corps joined General Pope on the 15th. On
the 17th, Reno sent out a party of two hundred and fifty
men and captured Jackson's signal-station on Clarke's
Mountain ; and it appears from the official report of this
occurrence that the Federals were misinformed as to our
position, and that up to the receipt of the captured de-
spatch, General Pope knew nothing of the arrival of the
troops of my command.
On the 18th report came from Clarke's Mountain of
unusual stir in the Federal commands about Culpeper
Court-House, and General Lee sent for me to ride with
him to the mountain to observe the movements. From
the summit we had a fair view of many points, and the
camp-flags, as they opened their folds to the fitful breezes,
seemed to mark places of rest. Changing our glasses to
11
ir>2 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
the right and left and rear, the white tops of army
wagons were seen moving. Half an hour's close watch
revealed that the move was fbr the Kappahannock River.
Changing the field of view to the bivouacs, they seemed
serenely quiet, under cover from the noonday August sun.
As we were there to learn from j)ersonal observation, our
vigilance was prolonged until the wagons rolled down the
declivities of the Rappahannock. Then, turning again to
view the bivouacs, a stir was seen at all points. Little
clouds of dust arose which marked the tramp of soldiers,
and these presently began to swell into dense columns
along the rearward lines. Watching without comment
till the clouds grew thinner and thinner as they ap-
proached the river and melted into the bright haze of the
afternoon sun, General Lee finally put away his glasses,
and with a deeply-drawn breath, expressive at once of
disappointment and resignation, said, " General, we little
thought that the enemy would turn his back upon us thus
early in the campaign."
CHAPTER XIII.
MAKING READY FOR MANASSAS AGAIN.
General Lee modifies his Order of March — Continuous Skirntiishing —
Cavalry Commander Stuart gets into G^eneral Pope's Head-quarters
and captures his Personal Equipment—His Uniform Coat and Hat
shown along the Confederate Lines— Jackson's Superb Flank Move-
ment— Confederates capture Trains, Supplies, Munitions, and Prison-
ers— Hooker and Ewell at Bristoe Station— Jackson first on the Old
Field of Bull Run— Longstreet's Command joins passing Thorough-
fare Gap— Pope practically throws Responsibility for Aggressive Ac-
tion on McDowell — Preliminary Fighting— General Pope surprised
by Jackson— Pope's Orders to Fitz-John Porter.
Under the retrograde of the Union army, General Lee
so modified his order of march as to meet the new condi-
tions. On the 20th of August the march was made, the
right wing to the vicinity of Kelly's Ford on the Rappa-
hannock River, the left to the railroad bridge and fords
above. At Kelly's Ford it seemed possible to force a
crossing. As we were preparing for it, an order came
reporting the upper crossings too well defended, and call-
ing for the right wing to march to that point, while the
left marched up in search of more favorable points. As
we were leaving Kelly's the enemy made a dash to cross,
and engaged some of the brigades in a sharp fight, intend-
ing to delay our movements, but the main column marched
on, while this affair was still in progress. By mutual
consent the fight subsided, both parties joined their proper
commands and proceeded on their upward march, each
on its own side of the stream. At Beverley's Ford,
Stuart's cavalry under Rosser crossed and made a lodge-
ment on the east bank, but the near approach of the
enemy's column threatening, before the infantry could get
up in support, made necessary the abandonment of the
ground, and the left wing continued to feel along higher
163
104 FROM MAXAS.SAS TO APPOMATTOX.
up for a cros^sing. Passing up, Trimble's brigade was left
at Beverley's as guard to Jackson's rear. The enemy,
conceiving an opportunity, efossed at Freeman's Ford and
attacked Trimble. Meanwhile, a detachment had been
called for from the right wing. Hood, with his own and
Whiting's brigade, was ordered, and was in time to join in
Trimble's fight, Avhich ended in repulse of the adventurous
force.
The east banks of the Rappahannock lifted quite above
those occupied by the Confederates, giving advantageous
position to the Union artillery fire, and offering no point
above Kelly's Ford to force a crossing.
When the left wing marched from Rappahannock
Bridge, the enemy crossed a considerable force to the
west bank, and covered it with a number of superior bat-
teries well posted on the east side. To dislodge that force
I put a number of batteries into action, including the
Washington Artillery, and, later, part of the reserved
battalion under Colonel S. D. Lee. The combat consumed
much of the day of the 23d, w^hen the enemy withdrew
from that bank and burned some of the dwellings as he left.
Riding along the line of batteries during the combat,
we passed a soldier-lad weeping over his brother, who had
just been killed ; just then a shell came screaming by,
exploded, and dashed its fragments into the ground near
enough to dust us a little. *' Dad drat those Yankees !"
he said ; ^' if I had known that they were going to throw
such things as that at a fellow, I would have stayed in
Texas." He had travelled a thousand miles to volunteer
in the same company with his brother.
Assured of the transfer of McClellan's forces from the
James, General Lee called up the divisions of Generals
D. H. Hill, McLaws, the half division under J. G.
Walker, and Hampton's cavalry from Richmond. Ander-
son's division was marching from Orange Court-House as
our reserve force.
MAKING READY FOR MANASSAS AGAIN. 165
On the 22cl, MunforcVs cavalry reported the Warrenton
road open as far as the vicinity of General Pope's head-
quarters. General Stuart was ordered over, with parts
of his brigades, to investigate and make trouble in the
enemy's rear. He crossed at Waterloo and Hunt's Mill
with fifteen hundred troopers and Pelham's horse artillery,
and rode to Warrenton. Passing through, he directed
his ride towards Catlett's Station to first burn the bridge
over Cedar Creek.
Before reaching Catlett's a severe storm burst upon
him, bogging the roads and flooding the streams behind
him. The heavy roads delayed his artillery so that it
was after niglit when he approached Catlett's. He caught
a picket-guard and got into a camp about General Pope's
head-quarters, took a number of prisoners, some camp
property, and, meeting an old acquaintance and friend in
a colored man, who conducted him to General Pope's
tents, he found one of the general's uniform coats, a hat,
a number of official despatches, a large amount of United
States currency, much of the general's personal equip-
ments, and one of the members of his staff*. Major Gould-
ing. He made several attempts to fire the bridge near
Catlett's, but the heavy rains put out all fires that could
be started, when he sought axes to cut it away. By this
time the troops about the camps rallied and opened severe
fire against him, but with little damage. The heavy rain-
fall admonished him to forego further operations and
return to the army while yet there was a chance to cross
Cedar Creek and the Rappahannock before the tides
came down. On the night of the 23d he reached Sulphur
Springs, where he met General Jackson's troops trying to
make comfortable lodgement on the east bank, passed
over, and resumed position outside General Lee's left.
The despatch-book of General Pope gave information of
his troops and his anxiety for reinforcements, besides
mention of those that had joined him, but General
166 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Stuart's especial pleasure and pride were manifested over
the possession of the uniform coat and hat of General
Pope. Stuart rode along the line showing them, and
proclaiming that he was satisfied with the exchange that
made even his loss at Verdierville before the march ; but
the despatch lost at Verdierville was the tremendous blow
that could not be overestimated.
All of the 23d was spent in severe artillery combat.
General Jackson had gained the east bank at Warrenton
(Sulphur Springs) crossing, and there seemed a fair pros-
pect of making a permanent lodgement, but the tides from
the severe storm of the day and night previous were coming
down in torrents, threatening floods at all of the fords.
On the 22d, Pope had formed a plan of concentrating
his forces to cross and attack Lee's right by the lower
fords, but the freshet had shut him off in that quarter ;
so he turned to the detachment of Jackson, on the east
side, just cut off from support. Marching up the river
bank, Jackson succeeded in so reinforcing his detach-
ment as to defend it to an upper crossing till it found safe
footing on the west bank. The high water cut off all
operations by direct moves on the 24th. Meanwhile,
General Pope had received the divisions of Kearny and
Reynolds from McClellan's army, forty-five hundred and
twenty-five hundred respectively.
About this time a letter came to head-quarters of the
right wing from General Toombs, expressing regret at his
unfortunate mistake in relieving his troops from picket
service, and asking to be released from arrest, that he
might have the opportunity to show in the approaching
conflicts his deep interest in the cause. The adjutant-
general was instructed to say in reply that the chief of
corps was pleased to know that the malefeasance was from
want of experience, not intentional breach of authority,
and that he would be more than welcome back by the gen-
eral and the troops of his brigade.
OENERAL THOMAS J. JACKSOK (!
MAKING READY FOR MANASSAS AGAIN. 167
On the 25th, Jackson was ordered to pull away from
our main force with the left wing, march by the crossings
of the upper tributaries through Thoroughfare Gap, and
strike the railway in the enemy's rear at Manassas Junc-
tion, his supply depot. Stuart's cavalry was ordered to
follow during the night.
By a rapid march Jackson crossed the fords of the
upper streams and made his bivouac near Salem. Forcing
his march on the 26th, he passed Thoroughfare Gap to
Gainesville, where Stuart joined him with all of his cav-
alry. From Gainesville he inclined to the right for
Bristoe Station, the cavalry holding the curtain between
his column and Pope's. A little after sunset he reached
the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, a march of thirty
miles. Approaching the station, trains were heard on
the rails. General Ewell divided his force and took two
points on the rails, so as to cut off the trains. Mun-
ford's cavalry assisted in the job. Two trains and a
number of prisoners were taken, the greater part of the
detachment at the station making safe retreat. His plans
against General Lee's right cut off by the high water,
General Pope extended his right, under Sigel, Banks, and
Reno, in search of Jackson up the river, who meanwhile
had spirited himself away looking towards Pope's rear.
I was left on the river bank in front, the reserve in-
fantry, R. H. Anderson's division, and artillery near at
hand.
Although the night of the 26th wiis very dark, and his
troops were severely w^orn, to be sure of his opportunity,
Jackson sent a detachment to Manassas Junction (seven
miles). The gallant Trimble, with five hundred of his men,
volunteered for the service, and set out at once on the march.
Stuart was afterwards ordered to join Trimble with his
cavalry, and as ranking officer to command the operations
of the entire force. The infantrv advanced and attacked
the enemy as soon as it could be formed for work, ea[)tured
168 FEOM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
three hundred prisoners, an eight-gun battery complete,
and immense quantities of army supplies.
Feeling the main force of his adversary in his front
awaiting opportunity, General Pope became anxious about
his left and rear, and was further hampered by instruc-
tions from the Washington authorities to hold his Fred-
ericksburg connections and " fight like the devil." (It
may have been fortunate for the Confederates that he
was not instructed to fight like Jackson.) On the 23d he
was informed of strong reinforcements to reach him at
Warrenton Junction on the next dav, and that laricer
forces would be shipped him on the 24th, to join him on
the 25th.
Nevertheless, he began to realize, as he felt Jackson's
march to his right, that he must abandon the line of the
Rappahannock and attend on the movements of that com-
mand gone astray by the mountains. He concentrated
the Army of Virginia, to which Reynolds's division had
been assigned, at and near Warrenton under McDowell ;
Reno east of Warrenton about three miles, on the turn-
pike ; Porter's (Fifth) corps near Bealton, ordered to join
Reno, and Heintzelman's (Third) corps, ten thousand
strong, at Warrenton Junction. The Sixth (Franklin's)
Corps, ten thousand strong. Army of the Potomac, was at
Alexandria awaiting transportation, as were the divisions
of Sturgis, ten thousand, and Cox, seven thousand, — the
latter from West Virginia. General Pope asked to have
Franklin's corps march by the Warrenton turnpike to
join him, and sent instructions to different parties to see
that the guards in his rear were strengthened ; that at
Manassas Junction by a division.
Under assurances from Washington of the prompt ar-
rival of forces from that quarter, he looked for the ai>-
proach of Franklin as far as Gainesville, marching by the
AVarrenton turnpike, and a division to reinforce the com-
mand at Manassas Junction, so that when Jackson cut in
MAKING READY FOR MANASSAS AGAIN. 169
on liis rear and captured the detachment at the Junction,
he was not a little surprised. He was in position for
grand tactics, however, midway between the right and left
wings of his adversary's forces, that in his rear worn by
severe marches and some fighting, that in his front be-
hind a river, the crossings of which were difficult, and the
lines of march to bring the distant wings to co-operation
over routes that could be defended by small commands.
Communication with Washington being severed, the
forces at and near Alexandria were thrown in the dark.
To move by rail they were liable to run into the wrong
camps, and the rapid change by water to the new position
left them short of land transportation.
Pope stood on the evening of the 27th : McDowell's
corps, including Reynolds's division, 15,500; Sigel's
corps, 9000; Banks's, 5000; Reno's, 7000; Heintzel-
man's and Porter's corps, 18,000, — in all 54,500 men,
with 4000 cavalry ; Piatt's brigade, Sturgis's division,
which joined him on the 26th, not included. In his rear
was Jackson, 20,000; in front on the Rappahannock
was my 25,000 ; R. H. Anderson's reserve division, 5000 ;
total, 50,000, with 3000 of cavalry under Stuart.
On the 26th I moved up to and crossed at Hinson's
Mill Ford, leaving Anderson's division on the Warrenton
Sulphur Springs route.
On the 27th, Jackson marched at daylight to Manassas
Junction with his own division, under Taliaferro, and
A. P. Hill's, leaving Ewell's at Bristoe Station, with orders
to withdraw if severely pressed. Approaching the Junc-
tion, a cavalry regiment came in, threatening attack, and
was driven off by Colonel Baylor's regiment. A field
battery came from the direction of Centreville, and tried
to make trouble at long range, but was driven off by
superior numbers. Then a brigade of infantry under
General Taylor, of New Jersey, just landed from the cars
from Alexandria, advanced and made a desperate effort
170 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
to recover the lost position and equipage at Manassas
Junction. Field's, Archer's, Pender's, and Thomas's bri-
gades, moving towards the railroad bridge, met Taylor's
command and engaged it, at the same time moving to-
wards its rear, threatening to cut oflf its retreat. It was
driven back after a fierce struggle, Greneral Taylor, com-
manding, mortally wounded. Part of the Kanawha divi-
sion under General Scammon was ordered to its support,
but was only in time to assist in its retreat. Reporting
this affair. General Jackson said, —
**The advance was made with great spirit and determination,
and under a leader worthy of a better cause.''
The spoils were then quietly divided, such as could be
consumed or hauled off, and the balance given to the
torch.
I marched from the Rappahannock, following on Jack-
son's trail, and camped at White Plains. The march
during the day was delayed about an hour by a large force
of cavalry which showed itself on my right front. As I
had no cavalry, a little time was spent in learning of its
import and following.
Greneral Pope ordered McDowell, with his own corps,
including Reynolds's division and Sigel's corps, to march
so as to be at Giiinesville at nightfall ; Reno's corps and
Kearny's division of the Third to Greenwich to support
McDowell. He rode with Hooker's division of the Third
along the route by the railroad for Bristoe Station, ordered
Porter's Fifth Corps to remain at Warrenton Junction till
relieved by Banks's corps, then to push on towards Gaines-
ville, Banks to follow by the railroad route.
In the afternoon, Hooker encountered Ewell at Bristoe
Station, where the divisions engaged in a severe fight,
which was handsomely maintained till after night. Ewell,
under his orders, withdrew to join Jackson. The conduct
of the affair was about equally creditable to the coinmands.
MAKING READY FOR MANASSAS AGAIN. 171
After this aflfair, General Pope so far modified his order
of the day as to call Porter to him by direct route, to
march at one a.m. and join him at daylight. Kearny's
division was ordered for Bristoe Station, Reno's corps for
Manassas Junction, and McDowell, from Gainesville, was
ordered to swing around to his right and march, guided
by the Manassas Gap Railroad, to Manassas Junction.
Ewell made his way along the railroad to Jackson in
time to refresh his men on the good things of the captures
and for several hours of sleep. Fitzhugh Lee, with three
regiments of cavalry, was ordered on to Fairfax Court-
House and along the railroad towards Alexandria to cut
oflf rail connection.
General McClellan reached Alexandria, Virginia, on
the 27th. On the 28th, Jackson was first to move at
12.20 A.M. He applied the torch to the stores of pro-
visions, and marched with his division, under Taliaferro,
by the New Market Sudley Springs road across the War-
renton turnpike, and pitched bivouac on a line from near
Groveton, towards Sudley Mills, on the field of first Ma-
nassas, at daylight.
At one A.M., A. P. Hill marched from Manassas Junc-
tion, crossed Bull Run, and halted at Centreville. Ewell
followed at daylight towards Centreville, crossed Bull
Run, marched up some distance, recrossed, and joined
Jackson, forming on Taliaferro's left. After the morning
fires of the bivouac burned out, Jackson's position could
not be seen except upon near approach. He was hid
away under the cuts and embankments of an unfinished
railroad.
The road upon which Porter marched was crowded
during the night, so that he and his ofiicers thought that
they would make better time and be in better condition by
marching at three a.m. He reached Bristoe at ten a.m.,
Kearny at eight, and Reno in due season. But it was
late in the morning when McDowell was ready to march,
172 FROM MANASSAS T<) APPOMATTOX.
and later in the day when his left swung out on the march
to the Junction.
At twelve o'clock, General Pope reached Manassas Jun(v
tion. Misled bv the movements of A. P. Hill and Ewell,
he ordered Reno's corps and Kearny's and Hooker's divi-
sions of the Third to Centreville, in search of Jackson,
while the latter \\*as little more than a league from him,
resting quietly in his hiding-place, and his detached di-
visions had doubled on their courses and were marching
to join him. McDowell, having information of my ap-
proach, delayed his march, detaching Ricketts's division
to hold me in check at Thoroughfare Gap.
The first passage at arms of the day was between part
of Stuart's cavalry, supported by B. T. Johnson's infantry,
and Meade's brigade of McDowell's command. As the
latter swung around for his march to the Junction, the
brigade approached Jackson's right. A detachment was
pushed out against Meade, and some artillery practice fol-
lowed. The Confederates retired, but reported no loss.
Under the impression that the force encountered was some
cavalry rear-guard or reconnoitring party, McDowell re-
sumed his march " as soon as the killed and wounded were
cared for."
The noise made by this affair aiused Sigel to counter-
march his corps, and otherwise delayed the march of Mc-
Dowell's entire forces, while it gave no inconvenience to
the Confederates further than a change of front of part of
Jackson's command to receive battle, not intended, by his
adversary. Jackson changed his front, but finding the
direction of the enemy changed so as to march away from
him, he took the move for a general retreat, made report
of it to A. P. Hill, who was yet north of Bull Run, and
ordered him to intercept the retreat by manning the lower
fords of Bull Run. The order was received at ten a.m.,
but General Hill had intercepted despatches of General
Pope giving notice of his preparation for battle at Manas-
MAKIXO RKADY FOU MANASSAS AG ATX. 173
sas the next day, and thought it better to march on and join
Jackson. He filed into line on Jackson's left about noon.
General Jackson was right. If Gcneial Hill had moved
as ordered, he would have met detachments ordered by
General Pope to Centreville, and held them back to the
south side until Jackson could join him to hold the line.
The natural sequence of Confederate operations was posi-
tion to intercept General Pope's return to Washington.
The scenes were shifting and inviting of adventure, and
the marches should have followed them. General Hill was
justified by the circumstances that influenced his march.
When General Poj)e reached the Junction with Heint-
zelman's and Reno's corps, the game was on other fields.
As the last of the Confederate columns had hied away
towards Centreville, he ordered thither those corps, and
allied up the Fifth to join him. He then changed the
orders of McDowell's column, directing it towards Centre-
ville, to mass his cavalry, and find Jackson, and presently
(at two P.M.) so far modified these as to direct McDowell
to use his own judgment, and give him the benefit of his
views, as he knew the country better, but ordered that he
should not go farther towards Manassas Junction. These
instructions were urgent, with assurances that McDowell's
moves should be supported by other columns. Had these
been promptly executed, McDo>vell's entire force should
have encountered Jackson before four o'clock, but Mc-
Dowell did not find Jackson. As his division, under
King, marched along the turnpike a little before night,
Jackson saw and engaged it in battle, as we shall see.
The head of my column reached Thoroughfare Gap
early in the afternoon. Reports from General Jackson
were that he was resting quietly on the flank of the enemy,
and between him and Washington. Parties from the Glap
reported it clear, and the Confederate commander called a
rest for the night, but D. R. Jones's division w^as ordered
on to occupy the Gap.
174 FROM MAXA.SSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
As we approached it, officers riding to the front returned
reporting tlie enemy coming in heavy cohimns on the other
side. Jones was ordered to halt his division till he could
advance his skirmishers. The Ninth Georgia Regiment,
G. T. Anderson's hrigade, was sent and followed at pro[)er
distance by the division. The skirmishers met the enemy's
pickets in the Gap, drove them off, and followed till they
in turn were met by a strong force and pushed back. The
enemy's leading brigade reached the plateau running along
the eastern side of the mountain, which, with his batteries
and infantry, gave him command at that end. Anderson
reinforced his Ninth by the First, then by his other regi-
ments on tlie mountain-side, to the left of the Gap, and
advanced till arrested by the impenetrable tangle of the
mountain undergrowth.
The Gap is a pass cut through Bull Run Mountain for
the flow of a streamlet, through Occoquan Creek, to the
waters of the Potomac. Its mean width is eighty yards.
Its faces of basaltic rock rise in vertical ascent from one
hundred to three hundred feet, relieved hither and thither
by wild ivy, creeping through their fissures and from the
tops of boulders in picturasque drapery. It was in the
midst of this bold and beautiful scenery, in this narrow
gorge where the Indians had doubtless often contested ages
ago, that the seasoned soldiers of our civilized armies now
battled for right of way.
Finding his passage over the mountain by the left side
of the Gap blocked by the mountain tangle, Jones called
up Toombs's brigade, under command of Colonel Benning,
and ordered it over the mountain obstacle by the south
side. Drayton's brigade was held in rear. By the time
the troops were so disposed, Ricketts's division was well
deployed along the plateau on the east.
Benning put Major Waddell, with the Twentieth Geor-
gia, on the mountain-side as skirmishers, and strengthened
it by another under Colonel Holmes, in double time, to
^H/' 'fi^P^S^M
5^
^^^^^^^^k
1
1
1
r
L
MAKING READY FOR MANASSAS AGAIN. 175
gain the crest on that side. The Twentieth gained the
crest while the Federals were yet about eighty yards below
on their side. The Georgians knew how to maintain their
advantage, and their fire arrested farther advance of the
enemy, when, after a spirited fusillade, reinforcements
joined them in good season, and extended the line and
held it, driving back the second assaulting force and fol-
lowing down the eastern slope.
As soon as the fire of the Federal batteries opened,
Hood was ordered wnth his tw^o brigades to cross the moun-
tain on the north side of the Gap away by a cattle-trail,
and three other brigades were despatched under General
Wilcox to Hopewell Pass, about three miles north of
Thoroughfare Gap.
Advancing his men, selected for their long-range rifles,
Benning drove oflf a battery seeking jx)sition to play upon
the mountain slope and eastern end of the gorge, and
moved forward under cover of a ravine until he gained a
flank fire upon the enemy's batteries. This, with the
march of Wilcox through Hopewell Pass and the crossing
of one of Hood's brigades, gave the Confederates com-
manding })osition, and Ricketts withdrew in time to escape
disaster.
About six o'clock McDowell put his troops on the
countermarch, Sigel's corps and Reynolds's division back
by the New Market road for its crossing of the Warren-
ton turnpike, and King's division of his own corps down
the turnpike. A. P. Hill's and Ewell's divisions, return-
ing from the north of Bull Run, hardly had time for rest,
when the march of King's division was reported. About
the same time the divisions that had been ordered by Pope
to Centreville reached that point, driving off some Con-
federate cavalry loitering along the way.
As King's division was marching by, Jackson thought
to come out from his lurking-place to learn the meaning-
of the march. The direction of the move again impressed
170 FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
him that Fojie was retreating, and that his escape to the
north side of Bull Run wouhl put his army in a iX).sition
of safety before General Lee coukl join him. It was late,
the sun had set, but Jackson was moved to prompt action,
as the only means of arrestinj; and holding Pope for (ien-
eral Lee's arrival. He was in plain view of the white
smoke of the rifles of my infantry as they clindKnl over
Bull Run Mountain, seven miles away, and in hearing of
our artillery as the boom of the big guns, resounding along
the rock-faced cliffs, gathered volume to offer salutations
and greetings for the union of comrades and commands.
He changed the front of his right division, and, noting
the movement of Sigel's troops along the New Market
road, called out Ewell with his brigades under Lawton
and Trimble, and in addition to the artillery of these com-
mands used the horse artillery under Pelham. As formed,
this new line was broadside against the turnpike, his left a
little way from Groveton.
The ground upon which the action occurred had been
passed an hour before by the division commander, General
Hatch, who saw no indication of the presence of a foe. As
the division marched, the column was made up of the bri-
gades of Hatch, Gibbon, Doubleday, and Patrick. The
action fell against the brigade commanded by General Gib-
bon, who, taking it for a cavalry annoyance to cover retreat,
opened against it, and assayed aggressive fight, till he found
himself engaged against a formidable force of infantry and
artillery. He was assisted by part of Doubleday's brigade,
and asked for other assistance, which failed to reach him,
till night came and ended the contest. His fight was des-
perate and courageous against odds, but he held it and his
line till dark. His loss was seven hundred and fifty-one,
including Colonel O'Connor and Major May, mortally
wounded, with many other officers with lighter hurts.*
* Rebellion Record, vol. xii. part ii. p. 378.
MAKING KEADY FOR MANASSAS AGAIN. 177
Greneral Doubleday joined the fight with his brigade,
and reported his loss nearly half of the troops engaged.
General Gibbon called it *'a surprise."* And well he
might, after his division commander had just passed over
the route and failed to find any indication of the lurking
foe.
General Jackson reported, " The conflict here was firm
and sanguinary." He fails to give his number lost, but
acknowledges his severe loss in the division commanders,
Greneral Ewell losing a leg, and Taliaferro severely
wounded.
During the night the Federal commander reported to
his subordinates that McDowell had " intercepted the
retreat of Jackson, and ordered concentration of the army
against him," f whereas it was, of course, Jackson who
had intercepted McDowell's march. He seems to have
been under the impression that he was about to capture
Jackson, and inclined to lead his subordinates to the same
opinion.
Of the time. Major Edward Pye reported, —
" We were sent forward towards evening to pursue the enemy,
who were said to be retreating. Found the enemy, but did not
see them retreat. A deadly fire from three sides welcomed and
drove iis back." J
After night Gibbon held his front by a line of skir-
mishers, and withdrew his command to a place of rest.
At one A.M. the division was withdrawn and marched
back to Manassas. Ricketts, finding himself in isolated
position at Glainesville, left at daylight and marched to
Bristoe. Jackson moved his forces at daylight, and re-
established his line behind the unfinished railroad, his
own division under General Stark, Ewell's under Greneral
Lawton, with A. P. Hill on his left.
* Rebellion Record, vol. xii. part ii. p. 881.
t Ibid., pp. 74, 76. J Ibid., p. 37L
12
17<^ FlIOM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
General Pope's orders for the night directed the march
of Kearny's divij^ion from Centrcvillc by the turnpike
at one a.m., to reinforce the troops against Jackson ; the
other division of Heintzehnan's corps (Hooker's) to
march by the same route at (hiylight, and to be fol-
lowed by the corps under Reno. These orders were
urgent, and directed that the commands should move
promptly, leaving fragments behind if all could not be
got together in time; Kearny to attack at daylight, to
be supported by Hooker.
McDowell's operations of the afternoon left Sigel's corps
and Reynolds's division in the vicinity of the field of
King's fight. General Pope's orders were given under
the impre^ion that King's division was still occupying
the ground of the late conflict, and that Ricketts's division
was not far away ; but these divisions had been removed
to points before mentioned, though special instructions
had been sent McDowell and King to hold the position
" at all hazards, to prevent the retreat of Jackson," with
assurances that at daylight in the morning the entire
force from Centreville and Manassas Junction should be
up and in prompt co-operation.
But McDowell had probably learned that Jackson had
no thought of retreating, and King had found that his
ground was not tenable. The order intended for King
failed to reach him.
Before he was advised of the withdrawal of King's di-
vision, General Pope sent orders to General Porter direct-
ing movements for the 29th, informing him of the orders
of Kearny and Hooker, and directing Porter to move at
daylight towards Centreville, for position in co-operation
of the projected battle, and ordering Reno to march for
the battle by the Warrenton turnpike. Under the orders.
Porter marched towards Centreville, and Reno towards
the field for battle. Kearny deferred his march till day-
light, and was followed by Hooker's division at convenient
MAKING READY FOR MANASSAS AGAIN. 179
marching distance. Reno's column followed the march
of the latter.
As soon as advised of the withdrawal of King's division
from the ground of the 28th, General Pope sent as sub-
stitutes for his orders of the early morning that General
Porter should push forward with his corps and King's divi-
sion of McDowell's command to Gainesville, to co-operate
with his movements along the Warrenton turnpike.* This
order was received by Porter at 9.30 A.M.,f but General
McDowell joined this column, and as ranking officer ob-
jected to the transfer of his division under King to other
authority, which brought out the joint order to McDowell
and Porter to have their joint commands execute the move
towards Gainesville.
* Rebellion Record, vol. xii. part ii. p. 518.
t Ibid., p. 520.
CHAPTER XIV.
SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS (BULL BUN).
Rattle opened by the Federals on Jackson's Right, followed by Kearny
— LongHtreet's Reconnoissanee— Stuart, the Cavalry Leader, sleeps on
the Field of Battle— Pope thought at the Close of the 29th that the
ConfiMlerateB were retreating— Second Day— Fitz-John Porter struck
(II Flank— Longstreet takes a Hand in the Fight late In the Day —
l#w under Fire— The Federal Retreat to Centreville— That Point
IwriMMl— Pope again dislodged— ** Stonewall" Jackson's Appearance
himI Pwullarltles- Killing of ** Fighting PhiV' Kearny— Losses—
lUwIow of the Campaign.
Oi^NiCHAL Pope at daylight sent orders to General
Higt^rn corps, with Reynolds's division, to attack as soon
a» it was light enough to see, and bring the enemy to a
rthuul if ix)ssible. At the same time orders were sent
lli^iutzohnan and Reno for their corps to hurry along the
liinipiko and join on the right of Sigel. The batteries
iipoutHl in an irregular combat on the left, centre, and
I'i^lil a little after eight o'clock, and drew from Jackson a
luouotonous but resolute response. And thus early upon
llu^ iilMh of August was begun the second battle upon this
i'luHHir and fateful field.
I huutIkhI at daylight and filed to the left at Gaines-
ville at nine o'clock. As the head of the column approached
(Julut^villo the fire of artillery l>ecame more lively, and its
volumo swt^lloil to proportions indicating near approach to
ImiMIo, The men involuntarily quickeneil step, filed down
\\\\' (urupikt\ and in twenty minutes came upon the battle
MS il In^gan to pre$? upon Jackson's right, their left battery
l^utially turning his right. His battle, tis before stated,
.<^tiHul U|HMi its original line of the unfinished railroad.
A>* uiy iHilumns appnvicheil, the l>atteries of the leading
Uigad^^ wen* thn>wn forward to gn^md of superior
Jiwwj^ This display ami the deploy of the infantry were
SECOND BATTLK OF MANASSAS. 181
SO threatening to tlie enemy's left batteries that he thought
prudent to change the front of that end of his line more
to his left and rear. Hood's two brigades were deployed
across the turnpike at right angles, supported by tlie bri-
gade under Evans. A battery advanced on their right to
good position and put in some clever work, which caused
the enemy to rectify all that end of his line. Kemper
deployed two of his brigades, supported by the third, on
the right of Hood. The three brigades under Wilcox
were posted in rear of Hood and Evans, and in close sup-
porting distance. On Hood's left and near Jackson's
right was open field, of commanding position. This was
selected by Colonel Walton, of the Washington Artillery,
for his battalion, and he brought it bounding into position
as soon as called. The division under D. R. Jones was
deployed in the order of the others, but was broken off to
the rear, across the Manassas Gap Railroad, to guard
against forces of the enemy reported in the direction of
Manassas Junction and Bristoe. As formed, my line made
an obtuse angle forward of Jackson's, till it approached
Manassas Gap Railroad, where D. R. Jones's division was
broken in echelon to the rear. At twelve o'clock we were
formed for battle.
About eleven o'clock. Hooker's division filed to the
right from the turnpike, to reinforce the Federal right
under Kearny, who, with Sigel's corps and Reynolds's
division, were engaged in a desultory affair against Jack-
son's left, chiefly of artillery.
R. H. Anderson's division marched at daylight along
the Warrenton turnpike for Grainesville.
When I reported my troops in order for battle, General
Lee was inclined to engage as soon as practicable, but did
not order. All troops that he could hope to have were up
except R. H. Anderson's division, which was near enough
to come in when the battle was in progress. I asked
him to be allowed to make a reconnoissance of the enemy's
182 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
ground, and along his left. Afl^r an hour's work, mounted
and afoot, under the August sun, I returned and reported
adversely as to attack, especially in view of the easy ap-
proach of the troops reported at Manassas against ray
right in the event of severe contention. We knew of
Ricketts's division in that quarter, and of a considerable
force at Manassas Junction, which indicated one corps.
At two o'clock Kearny raade an earnest opening against
Jackson's left, but no information of battle reached us on
the right. He made severe battle by his division, and with
some success, but was checked by Jackson's movements to
meet him. General Stevens supported his battle, but his
numbers were not equal to the occasion. General Sigel
joined in the affair, and part of General Hooker's divi-
sion, making a gallant fight, but little progress. General
Grover's brigade made a gallant charge, but a single bri-
gade was a trifle, and it met with only partial success, and
was obliged to retire with heavy loss of killed and wounded,
— four hundred and eighty-four.
At one time the enemy broke through the line, cut-
ting off the extreme left brigade, and gained position on
the railroad cut ; but Jackson and A. P. Hill reinforced
against that attack, and were in time to push it back and
recover the lost ground.
Their attacks were too much in detail to hold even the
ground gained, but they held firmly to the battle and their
line until after night, when they withdrew to await orders
for the next day.
Though this fight opened at two o'clock, and was fiercely
contested till near night, no account of it came from head-
quarters to my command, nor did General Jackson think to
send word of it. General Lee, not entirely satisfied with
the report of my reconnoissance, was thinking of sending
some of the engineers for more critical survey of his right
front, when his chief of cavalry sent to inform him of the
approach of a formidable column of infantry and artillery
SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 183
threatening his right. Wilcox's division was changed to
supporting position of our right, under Jones, and I rode
to look at this new force, its strength, and tlie ground of
its approach. It was the column of McDowell's and Por-
ter's corps, marching under the joint order. Porter's corps
in advance deployed Morell's division, and ordered But-
terfield's brigade, preceded by a regiment of skirmishers,
to advance on their right, Sykes's division to support
Morell. As this was in process of execution, McDowell,
whose corps was in rear, rode to the front and objected to
the plan and attack so far from the main force.
A few shots were exchanged, when all became quiet
again. We saw nothing of McDowell's corps, and our
cavalry had not been able to get far enough towards their
rear to know of its presence or force. He afterwards
drew off from Porter's column and marched by the
Sudley Springs road to join the main force on the turn-
pike. I rode back and reported to General Lee that the
column was hardly strong enough to mean aggressive
work from that quarter, and at the same time reported a
dust along the New Market road which seemed to indicate
movement of other troops from Manassas.
General Stuart rode up, making similar report, and
asked for orders. As our chief was not ready with his
orders at the moment, Stuart was asked to wait. The
latter threw himself on the grass, put a large stone under
his head, asked the general to have him called when his
orders were ready for him, and went sound asleep.
Our chief now returned to his first plan of attack by
his right down the turnpike. Though more than anxious
to meet his wishes, and anticipating his orders, I sug-
gested, as the day was far spent, that a reconnoissance in
force he made at nightfall to the immediate front of the
enemy, and if an opening was found for an entering
wedge, that we have all things in readiness at daylight for
a good day's work. After a moment's hesitation he as-
184 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
sented, and orders were given for the advance at early
twilight.
This gave General Stuart half an hour siesta. When
called, he sprang to his feet, received his orders, swung
into his saddle, and at a lope, singing, " If you want to
have a good time, jine the cavalry," his banjo-player.
Sweeny, on the jump behind him, rode to his troopers.
Wilcox was recalled and ordered to march in support
of Hood and Evans when they advanced on the recon-
noissance. It so happened that our advance had been
anticipated by an order to move from the enemy's side
against us. They attacked along the turnpike by King's
division about sunset.
To the Confederates, who had been searching for an
opportunity during the greater part of the day, and were
about to march through the approaching darkness to find
it, this was an agreeable surprise. Relieved of that irk-
some toil, and ready for work, they jumped at the pres-
ence, to welcome in countercharge the enemy's coming.
A fierce struggle of thirty minutes gave them advantage
which they followed through the dark to the base of the
high ground held by bayonets and batteries innumer-
able as compared with their limited ranks. Their task
accomplished, they were halted at nine o'clock to await
the morrow. One cannon, a number of flags, and a few
prisoners were taken.
Generals Wilcox and Hood were ordered to carefully
examine the position of the enemy and report of the fea-
sibility of attack at daylight. They came to corps head-
quarters a little before twelve o'clock, and made separate
reports, both against attack, with minute items of their
conclusions. Hood was ordered to have the carriage of
the captured gun cut up and left, and both were ordered
to withdraw their commands to their first positions.
Meanwhile, General Pope had sent orders to General
Porter, dated 4.30 p.m., to attack upon my right flank, but
SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 185
the order was not received until it was too late for battle,
and the force was not strong enough, and a fight at that
hour might have been more unfortunate than the fights by
detail on their right. If it had been sent to General Mc-
Dowell before he left, the two corps, if he could have been
induced to go in, might have given serious trouble. The
field on their left was favorable for tactics, but on Porter's
front it was rough, and R. H. Andei'son's division was in
striking distance of their left, if that effort had been made.
Anderson marched in the dark as far as Hood's front
before reporting for position, and was ordered back to
Gainesville.
The 4.30 order was issued under the impression that my
troops, or the greater part of them, were still at Thorough-
fare Gap, and General Pope said, in his official report, —
^^I believe, in fact I am positive, that at five o'clock in the
afternoon of the 29th, General Porter had in his front no consid-
erable body of the enemy. I believed then, as I am very sure
now, that it was easily practicable for him to have turned the
right flank of Jiickson and to have fallen upon his rear ; that
if he had done so, we should have gained a decisive victory over
the army under Jackson befoi'e he could have been joined by any
of the forces of Longstreet." *
After night. Porter's column marched b^ its right to
follow the route of McDowell.
The morning of the 30th broke fair, and for the Fed-
eral commander bright with anticipations for the day. He
wired the Washington authorities of success, that "the
enemy was retreating to the mountains," and told of his
preparations for pursuit. It seems that he took my recon-
noissance for a fight, and my withdrawal for retreat, also
interpreting reports from the right as very favorable. He
reported, —
''(General Hooker estimated the loss of the enemy as at least
two to one, and General Kearny as at least three to one.''
* Rebellion lU'conl, vol. xii. part 11. p. 40. General Pope.
186 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
He construed the operations of the night of the 29th
and the reports of the morning of the 30th as indications
of retreat of the Confederates. Prisoners captured during
the night, paroled and returning to him, so reported on
the morning of the 30th, and his general officers had
impressions of the Confederate left that confirmed the
other accounts, and convinced him that we were in retreat.
The forces threatening our right the day before having
marched around towards the turnpike, D. R. Jones's di-
vision was advanced to position near Kemper's right.
Colonel S. D. Lee's artillery battalion was advanced to
relieve the Washington Artillery, making our line com-
plete, in battle front.
About one o'clock in the afternoon. General Pope or-
dered attack against Jackson's front by the corps under
General Porter, supported by King's division, Heintzel-
man and Reno to move forward and attack Jackson's left,
to turn it and strike down against the flank, Ricketts's
division in support of it ; but Ricketts was recalled and
put near the turnpike, to support that part of Porter's
field.
During the early part of this severe battle not a gun
was fired by my troops, except occasional shots from S. D.
Lee's batteries of reserve artillery, and less frequent shots
from one or two of my other batteries.
Developments appearing unfavorable for a general
engagement. General Lee had settled upon a move by
Sudley Springs, to cross Bull Run during the night and
try to again reach Pope's rear, this time with his army.
About three p.m. I rode to the front to prepare to make
a diversion a little before dark, to cover the plan proposed
for our night march. As I rode, batteries resting on the
sides of the turnpike thought that battle was at hand,
and called their officers and men to stand to their guns
and horses. Passing by and beyond my linej^, a message
came from General Jackson reporting liis lines heavily
SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 187
pressed, and asking to be reinforced. Riding forward a
few rods to an open, which gave a view of Jackson's
field, I came in sight of Porter's battle, piling up against
Jackson's right, centre, and left. At the same time an
order came from General Lee for a division to be sent
General Jackson. Porter's masses were in almost direct
line from the point at which I stood, and in enfilade fire.
It was evident that they could not stand fifteen minutes
under the fire of batteries planted at that point, while a
division marching back and across the field to aid Jack-
son could not reach him in an hour, more time probably
than he could stand under the heavy weights then bearing
down upon him. Boldness was prudence ! Prompt work
by the wing and batteries could relieve the battle. Re-
inforcements might not be in time, so I called for my
nearest batteries. Ready, anticipating call, they sprang
to their placas and drove at speed, saw the opportunity
before it could be pointed out, and went into action.
The first fire was by Chapman's battery, followed in roll-
ing practice by Boyce's and Reilly's. Almost immediately
the wounded began to drop off from Porter's ranks ; the
number seemed to increase with every shot ; the masses
began to waver, swinging back and forth, showing signs
of discomfiture along the left and left centre.
In ten or fifteen minutes it crumbled into disorder and
turned towards the rear. Although the batteries seemed
to hasten the movements of the discomfited, the fire was
less effective upon broken ranks, which gave them courage,
and they made brave efforts to rally ; but as the new lines
formed they had to breast against Jackson's standing
line, and make a new and favorable target for the batteries,
which again drove them to disruption and retreat. Not
satisfied, they made a third effort to rally and fight the
battle through, but by that time they had fallen back far
enough to open the field to the fire of S. D. Lee's artil-
lery battalion. As the line began to take shape, this
188 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
fearful fire was added to that under which they had tried
SO ineffectually to fight. The combination tore the line
to pieces, and as it broke the third time the cliarge was
ordered. The heavy fumes of gunpowder hanging about
our ranks, as stinmlating as sparkling wine, charged the
atmosphere with the light and splendor of battle. Time
w^as culminating under a flowing tide. The noble horses
took the spirit of the riders sitting lightly in their sad-
dles. As orders were given, the staff, their limbs already
closed to the horses' flanks, pressed their spurs, but the
electric current overleaped their sj)eedy strides, and twenty-
five thousand braves moved in line as by a single impulse.
My old horse, appreciating the imjHjrtance (jf corps head-
quarters, envious of the spread of his comrades as they
measured the green, yet anxious to maintain his rolcj
moved up and down his limited space in lofty bounds,
resolved to cover in the air the space allotted his more
fortunate comrades on the plain.
Leaving the broken ranks for Jackson, our fight was
made against the lines near my front. As the plain
along Hood's front was more favorable for the tread
of soldiers, he wiis ordered, as the column of direction, to
push for the plateau at the Henry House, in order to cut
off retreat at the crossings by Young's Branch. Wilcox
was called to support and cover Hood's left, but he lost
sight of two of his brigades, — Featherston's and Pry or 's,
— and only gave the aid of his single brigade. Kemper
and Jones were pushed on with Hood's right, Evans in
Hood's direct support. The batteries were advanced as
rapidly as fields were opened to them, Stribling's, J. B.
Richardson's, Eshleman's, and Rogers's having fairest
field for progress.
At the first sound of the charge. General Lee sent to
revoke his call in favor of Jackson, asked me to push
the battle, ordered R. H. Anderson's division up, and
rode himself to join me.
SECOND BATTLE OF MANA88AS. 189
In the ftilness of the battle, General Toombs rode up
on his iron-gray under sweat and spur, his hat off, and
asked for his command. He was told that a courier was
about to start with an order for the division commander,
and would guide him. He asked to be the bearer of the
order, received it, and with the guide rode to find his post
in the battle. The meeting of the brigade and its com-
mander was more than joyful.
Jackson failed to pull up even on the left, which gave
opportunity for some of the enemy's batteries to turn their
fire across the right wing in enfilade, as w^e advanced, and
the enemy strongly reinforced against us from troops
drawn from Jackson's front, but we being on the jump,
the fire of the batteries was not effective. It w^as severely
threatening upon General Lee, however, who would ride
under it, notwithstanding appeals to avoid it, until I
thought to ride through a ravine, and thus throw a trav-
erse between him and the fire. He sent orders to Jackson
to advance and drive off or capture the batteries standing
in liis front and firing across our line, but it was not in
season to relieve us. Hood's aggressive force w^as well
spent when his troops approached the Chinn House, but
R. H. Anderson was up and put in to reinforce and relieve
his battle.
General Pope drew Ricketts's division from his right
to brace his left, then Reno's command to aid in checking
our march, but its progress, furiously resisted, w\is steady,
though much delayed. Piatt's brigade was also put
against us. This made time for Porter to gather his
forces. His regulars of Sykes's division, particularly,
made desperate resistance, that could only be overcome
by our overreaching lines threatening their rear.
When the last guns were fired the thickening twilight
concealed the lines of friend and foe, so that the danger
of friend firing against friend became imminent. The
hill of the Henry House was reached in good time, but
IJX) FHOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
darkness coming on earlier because of thickening clouds
hovering over us, and a gentle fall of rain closely follow-
ing, the plateau was shut off from view, and its ascent
only found by groping through the darkening rainfall.
As long as the enemy held the plateau, he covered the
line of retreat by the turnpike and the bridge at Young's
Branch. As he retired, heavy darkness gave safe-con-
duct to such of his columns as could find their way through
the weird mists.
Captain William H. Powell, of the Fourth Regular
Infantry, wrote of his experience, —
*^Aswe filed from the battle-field into the turnpike leading
over the stone bridge, we came upon a group of mounted ofl&cers,
one of whom wore a peculiar style of hat which had been seeu
on the field that day, and which had been the occasion of a great
deal of comment in the ranks. As we passed these ofl&cers, the
one with tlie peculiar liat called out in a loud voice, —
" * What troops are those !'
" *The regulars,' answered somebody.
" 'Second Division, Fifth Corps,' replied another.
*' ^ God bless them ! they saved the army,' added the ofllcer.
'* Subsequently we learned that he was General Irvin Mc-
Dowell."
**As we neared the bridge we came upon confusion. Men
singly and in detachments were mingled with sutlers' wagons,
artillery caissons, supply wagons, and ambulances, each striving
to get ahead of the other. Vehicles rushetl through organized
bodies and broke the columns into fragments. Little detachments
gathered by the road-side after crossing the bridge, crying out to
members of their regiments as a guide to scattered comrades.
And what a night it was ! Dark, gloomy, and beclouded by the
volumes of smoke which had risen from the battle-field.*
At six o'clock. General Pope received report of the
Sixth Corps, that had marched from Alexandria under
General Franklin to the vicinity of Centreville, and or-
dered the several commands to concentrate about that
* Battles and Leaders of the Civil War.
ftECJOND RATTLE OF MAXASSAS. 191
hamlet during the night. Tlie Second Corps from the
Army of tlie Potomac under General Sumner also joined
him at Centreville.
But for the dropping oflf of two of Wilcox's brigades
from close connection with the right wing, and the deflec-
tion of Drayton's brigade, which was taken off by some
unauthorized and unknown person from my right to the
support of cavalry, it is possible that my working column
could have gained the plateau of the Henry House before
it was dark. Or if Jackson had been fresh enough to
pull up even with us, he could have retained the com-
mands under Reno and Sykes's regulars in his front,
which could have given us safe sweep to the plateau, an
hour before sundown, and in sight of great possibilities.
By morning of the 31st everything off the turnpike
was nasty and soggy. Stuart's cavalry, followed by
Pryor's brigade, were ordered across the Run at Stone
Bridge as a diversion, while we were trying another move
to reach the enemy's rear. The Confederates had worked
all of the winter before, fortifying this new position, just
taken by Pope at Centreville. Direct pursuit by the
turnpike against these fortifications would therefore be
fruitless.
General Jackson was called to head-quarters early in
the morning. Upon receiving General Lee's orders to
cross Bull Run at Sudley's and march by Little River
turnpike to intercept the enemy's march, he said,
" Good !" and away he went, without another word, or
even a smile.
Though the suggestion of a smile always hung about
his features, it was commonly said that it never fully
developed, with a single exception, during his military
career, though some claim there were other occasions on
which it ripened, and those very near him say that ho
always smiled at the mention of the names of the Fed-
eral leaders whom he was accustomed to encounter over
102 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
in th^ Valley behind the Blue Ridge. Standing, he
was a graceful figure, five feet ten inches in height, with
brown wavy hair, full beard, and regular features. At
first glance his gentle expression repelled the idea of his
severe piety, the full beard concealing the lower features,
which had they been revealed would have marked the
character of the man who claimed " his first duty to God,
and his next to Jackson and General Lee." Mounte<l,
his figure was not so imjx)sing as that of the bold dragoon,
Charley May, on Black Tom. He had a habit of raising
his right hand, riding or sitting, which some of his fol-
lowers were wont to construe into invocation for Divine
aid, but they do not claim to know whether the prayers
were for the slain, or for the success of other fields. The
fact is, he received a shot in that hand at the First Bull
Run, which left the hand under partial paralysis and the
circulation through it imperfect. To relieve the pressure
and assist the circulation he sometimes raised his arm.
I was ordered to look after the dead and those whose
misfortune it was to be wounded, till Ja(*kson could have
time to stretch out on his new march, then to follow him,
leaving the work to details and to General D. H. HiU's
division, just coming in from Richmond.
After giving orders for the day. General Lee rode out
towards Centreville for personal observation, halted, and
dismounted at a point which seemed safe from danger or
observation. Suddenly alarm was given of " The enemy's
cavalry !" The group dispersed in hot haste to have the
heels of their animals under them. The rush and confu-
sion frightened the general's horse, so that he pulled him
violently to the ground, severely spraining his right wrist,
besides breaking some of the bones of the hand.
On reaching his head-quarters, Jackson ordered the as-
sembly sounded, mounted his horse, and marched for the
Sudley Springs crossing. He cleared the way in time for
my column to reach that point at dark, the head of his
SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 193
own column tapping Little River turnpike. The march
was over a single-track country road, bad enough on the
south side of the river, much worn through a post-oak
forest over quicksand subsoil on the north side. If Jack-
son had been followed by an enemy whose march he
wished to baffle, his gun-carriages could not have made
deeper cuts through the mud and quicksand.
Stuart was ordered over to the Little River turnpike,
and advanced to the vicinity of Ox Hill and Fairfax
Court-House. He made some interesting captures and
reports of movements by the enemy. He slept near their
lines, north of the turnpike, east of Chantilly.
The Little River and Warrenton turnpikes converge
and join as they near Fairfax Court-House. At vulner-
able points on the latter. General Pope posted parts of his
command to cover his rearward march. At Ox Hill
(Chantilly) were stationed Heintzelman's and Reno's
corps, the divisions of Hooker, Kearny, Stevens, and
Reno.
Early on the 1st of September the Confederates resumed
their march. Jackson reached Ox Hill late in the after-
noon, and deployed by inversion, — A. P. Hill's division
on his right, Ewell's under Lawton next, his own under
Stuart on his left, on the right of the road. On the left
of the road were Stuart's cavalry and the artillery. Two
of Hill's brigades were thrown out to find the enemy, and
were soon met by his advance in search of Jackson, which
made a furious attack, driving back the Confederate bri-
gades in some disorder. Stevens, appreciating the crisis
as momentous, thought it necessary to follow the opportu-
nity by aggressive battle, in order to hold Jackson away
from the Warrenton turnpike. Kearny, always ready
to second any courageous move, joined in the daring
battle. At the critical moment a thunder-storm burst
with great violence upon the combatants, the high wind
beating the rain in the faces of the Confederates. So
18
194 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
firm was the luioxpeded battle tliat part of Jackson's line
yielded to the onslaught. At one moment his artillery
seemed in danger. Stevens was killed when the storm of
l)attle, as well as that of the elements, began to quiet down.
Stuart's (»avalry drew near Jackson's left during the prog-
ress of the battle. As I ro<le up and met General Jack-
son, I remarked upon the number of his men going to
the rear :
" General, your men don't appear to work well to-day."
" No," he re[)lie(l, '' but I hope it will prove a victory
in the morning."
His trtH>[)S were relieved as mine came up, to give them
a respite till morning. While my reliefs were going
around, General Philip Kearny rode to the line in search
of his division. Finding himself in the presence of Con-
federates, he wheeled his horse and put spurs, preferring
the danger of musket-balls to humiliating surrender.
Several challenges called, but not heeded, were followed
by the ring of half a dozen muskets, when he fell mor-
tally hurt, and so perished one of the most gallant and
dashing of the Union generals.
"September 2, 1862.
** Major General John Pope,
*' United States Army:
*-SiR, — The body of General Philip Kearny was brought from
the field h\st night, and he wsis reported dead. I send it forward
under a flag of truce, thinking the possession of his remains may
be a consolation to liis family.
**I am, sir, respectfully, yonr obedient servant,
**R. E. Lee,
''GenemV*
The rain so concealed the fight in its last struggles that
the troops escaped before we were aware that it had been
abandoned.
As both Federal division commanders fell, the accounts
* Rebellion Record*
SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 195
fail to do justice to their fight. Stevens in his short
career gave evidence of courage, judgment, skill, and
genius not far below his illustrious antagonist.
During the fight Stuart had parties out seeking infor-
mation, and early on the second had his troopers in the
saddle in pursuit. The army, ready to move, awaited
reports of the cavalry, which came from time to time, as
they followed on the line of retreat. From Fairfax
Court-House came the report that the enemy's rear had
passed in rapid retreat quite out of reach, approaching
the fortifications of Alexandria and Washington City.
Arms were ordered stacked, and a good rest was given
the troops. Stuart's cavalry pursued and. engaged the
retreating army.
In the afternoon the First Corps started on the march
via Dranesville for Leesburg and the Potomac River, f(St-»
lowed on the third by the Second.
The results to the Confederates of the several engage-
ments about Manassas Plains were seven thousand prison-
ers, two thousand of the enemy's wounded, thirty pieces
of artillery, many thousand small-arms picked up from
the field, and many colors, besides the captures made at
Manassas Junction by General Jackson.*
A fair estimate of forces engaged :
Federal army, aggregate 63,000
Confederates 63,500
Losses between Rappahannock River and Washing-
ton:
Federals, aggregate 15,000
Coufederates 10,000
The figures are given in round numbers, as the safest
approximate estimate, but the records now accessible give
* Rebellion Record, vol. xii. part ii. p. 658. General Lee's report.
196 rnoM maxassas to appomattox.
accurate details of losses in each command about the same
as these.
And so it came to pass that from Cedar Run and Bull
Run we had the term All Run. It is due to the gallant
Sumner and his brave corps, however, to say that tliey
so covered the last as to save disgraceful retreat.
A cursory review of the campaign reveals the pleasure
ride of General Fitzhugh Lee by Louisa Court-House
as most unseasonable. He lost the fruits of our summer's
work, and lost the Southern cause. Proud Troy was laid
in ashes. His orders were to meet his commander on the
afternoon of the 17th, on the plank-road near Raccoon
Ford, and upon this appointment was based General Lee's
order of march for the 18th. If the march had been
made as appointed. General Lee would have encountered
the army of General Pope upon weak ground from Rob-
ertson River to near Raccoon Ford of the Rapidan, and
thus our march would have been so expedited that we
could have reached Alexandria and Washington before
the landing of the first detachment of the Army of the
Potomac at Alexandria on the 24th. The artillery and
infantry were called to amend the delinquency by severe
marches and battles.
It would have been possible to make good the lost time,
but the despatch lost in the Stuart escapade was handed
to General Pope that morning (the 18th), and gave him
notice of our plans and orders. The delay thus brought
about gave time for him to quit his weaker ground and
retire to strong defensive heights behind the Rappahan-
nock River, where he held us in check five days.
Referring to the solid move proposed before opening
the campaign by the upper Rapidan to strike Pope's
right, it may be said that it was not so dependent upon
the cavalry that was marching behind us. That used by
Jackson in his battle of the 9th was enough for imme-
diate use. Jackson could have passed the upper Rapidan
SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 197
on the 16th, and followed by the right wing in time to
strike Pope's right on the 17th in solid phalanx, when
time was mightier than cannon-balls. After losing eight
days between Orange Court-House and the Rappahan-
nock, we found at last that we must adopt the move by
our left to get around the strong ground of the Rappa-
hannock, and the tnove must noiv be made by detach-
mentSf not so approved of tlie iLsages of war. I was west
of the Rappahannock when the command should have
been at Washington City.
The conduct of General Pope's army after his receipt of
the captured despatch was good, especially his plans and
orders for the 27th and 28th. The error was his failure
to ride with his working columns on the 28th, to look after
and conduct their operations. He left them in the hands
of the officer who lost the first battle of Manassas. His
orders of the 28th for General McDowell to change direc-
tion and march for Centreville were received at 3.15 p.m.
Had they been promptly executed, the commands. King's
division, Sigel's corps, and Reynolds's division, should
have found Jackson by four o'clock. As it was, only the
brigades of Gibbon and Doubleday were found passing
by Jackson's position after sunset, when he advanced
against them in battle. He reported it "sanguinary."
With the entire division of King and that of Reynolds,
with Sigel's corps, it is possible that Pope's campaign
would have brought other important results. On the
29th he was still away from the active part of his field,
and in consequence failed to have correct advice of the
time of my arrival, and quite ignored the column under
R. H. Anderson approaching on the Warrenton turnpike.
On the 30th he was misled by reports of his officers and
others to believe that the Confederates were in retreat,
and planned his movements upon false premises.
Jackson's march to BrLstoe and Manassas Junction was
hazardous, or seemed so, but in view of his peculinr talent
198 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
for such work (the captured despatch of General Pojje
giving information of his affairs), and Lee's skill, it
seemed the only way open for progressive manoeuvre.
The strength of the move lay in the time it gave us to
make issue before all of the Army of the Potomac could
unite with the army under General Pope. His game of
hide-and-seek about Bull Run, Centreville, and Manassas
Plains was grand, but marred in completeness by the
failure of General A. P. Hill to meet his orders for the
afternoon of the 28th. As a leader he was fine ; as a
wheel-horse, he was not always just to himself. He was
fond of the picturesque.
M
CHAPTER XV.
THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN.
General Lee continues Aggressive Work— From Foraged Fields of
Virginia into a Bounteous Land— Longs treet objected to the Move-
ment on Harper^s Ferry— Lee ttiinlcs the Occasion Timely for Pro-
posal of Peace and Independence- Confederates singing through
the Streets of Fredericktown— McClelIan\s Movements — Cautious
Marches— Lee's Lost Order handed to the Federal Cliief at Frederick.
" Tiicre is a tide in tlie affairs of men,
Whicli, taken at tlie flood, leads on to fortune ;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows, and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat."
As our columns approached Leesburg, " Maryland, my
Maryland" was in the air, and on the lips of every man
from General Lee down to the youngest drummer. Our
chief could have safely ordered the ranks to break in
Virginia and assemble in Fredericktown. All that they
would ask was a thirty minutes' plunge in the Potomac
to remove some of the surplus dust, before they encoun-
tered the smiles of the winsome lasses of Maryland. Yet
he expressed doubt of trusting so far from home solely
to untried and unknown resources for food-supplies.
Receiving his anxious expressions really as appeals for
reinforcement of his unexpressed wish, but warm to brave
the venture, I related my Mexican War experiences with
Worth's division, marching around the city of Monterey
on two days' rations of roasting-ears and green oranges,
and said that it seemed to me that we could trust the
fields of Maryland, laden with ripening corn and fruit, to
do as much as those of Mexico; that we could in fact
199
200 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
subsist on the bounty of the fields until we could open
communication with our organized base of supplies.
As factors in the problem, important as Lee's masterly-
science and Jackson's great skill, stood the fortitude and
prowess of the Confederate soldiers, and their faith in the
friendship and generosity of their countrymen. Hungry,
sparsely clad, worn with continuous bivouac and battle
since the 26th of June, proud of their record from the
First to the honors of the Second Manassas, their cheery
smiles and elastic step told better than words of anticipa-
tions of welcome from friends in Maryland, and of new
fields of honor for their solid ranks, — of the day when
they should be masters of the field and of a new-born
republic.
Though a losing battle, the Union armies had made a
splendid fight at Second Manassas. The stand at Ox Hill
was severe ; severe till the march of retreat, so that the
Army of Northern Virginia should have held in profound
respect its formidable adversary, seasoned by many bloody
fields.
The policy of the Richmond government was defensive
rather than aggressive warfare, but the situation called for
action, and there was but one opening, — across the Poto-
mac. General Lee decided to follow his success in its
natural leading, and so reported to the Richmond authori-
ties.
He was not so well equipped as an army of invasion
should be, but the many friends in Maryland and the
fields on the north side of the Potomac were more in-
viting than those of Virginia, so freely foraged. He
knew from events of the past that his army was equal to
the service to which he thought to call it, and ripe for the
adventure ; that he could march into Maryland and re-
main until the season for the enemy's return into Virginia
for autumn or winter work had passed, improve his trans-
portation supplies, and the clothing of his army, and do
THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 201
that, if not more, for relief of our Soutliern fields and lim-
ited means, besides giving his army and cause a moral in-
fluence of great effect at home and abroad. He decided
to make his march by the most direct route from Chan-
tilly, where he had last fought, to the Potomac, and so
crossed by the fords near Leesburg. Marching by this
route, he thought to cut off a formidable force of Union
troops at Winchester, at Martinsburg, and a strong garri-
son occupying the fortified position at Harper's Ferry.
To summarize the situation, we were obliged to go into
Maryland or retreat to points more convenient to supplies
and the protection of Richmond.
At Leesburg Lee learned that the Union troops in the
Valley had left Winchester, and sent back orders to have
the crippled and feeble soldiers wending their way to the
army march through the Valley to join us in Maryland.
Trains of supplies were ordered to move by the same route.
On the 5th and 6th the columns crossed the Potomac
by the fords near Leesburg. Stuart's cavalry, coming up
from the line near Alexandria and the Long Bridge,
passed to front and right flank of the army. General
McLaws's division. General J. G. Walker, with two bri-
gades of his division, and General Hampton's cavalry
brigade, including Colonel Baker's North Carolina regi-
ment, joined us on the march. On the 7th our infantry
and artillery commands came together near Frederick
City.
Riding together before we reached Frederick, the sound
of artillery fire came from the direction of Point of Rocks
and Harper's Ferry, from which General Lee inferreil
that the enemy was concentrating his forces from the
Valley, for defence at Harper's Ferry, and proposed to
me to organize forces to surround and capture the works
and the garrison.
I thought it a venture not worth the game, and sug-
gested, as we were in the enemy's country and presence,
202 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
that he would be advised of any move that we made in a
few hours after it wa8 set on foot ; that the Union armv,
though beaten, was not disorganized ; that we knew a
number of their officers who couhl i)ut it in order and
march against us, if tliey found us ex[)osed, and make
serious trouble before the capture could be accomplished ;
that our men were worn by very severe and i)rotracted
service, and in need of re}K)se; that as long as we liad
them in hand we were masters of the situation, l)ut dis-
persed into many fragments, our strength must be greatly
reduced. As the subject was not continued, I supposed
that it was a mere expression of paasing thought, until,
the day after we reached Frederick, ui)on going over to
head-quarters, I found the front of the general's tent
closed and tied. Upon inquiring of a member of the
staff, I was told that he was inside with General Jackson.
As I had not been called, I turned to go away, when
General Lee, recognizing my voice, called me in. The
plan had been arranged. Jackson, with his three divi-
sions, was to recross the Potomac bv the fords above Har-
per's Ferry, march via Martinsburg to Bolivar Heights ;
McLaws's division by Crampton's Gap to Maryland
Heights ; J. G. Walker's division to recross at Cheek's
Ford and occupy Loudoun Height;!, these height*s overlook-
ing the positions of the garrison of Harper's Ferry ; D. H.
Hill's division to march bv the National road over South
Mountain at Turner's Gap, and halt at the western base, to
guard trains, intercept fugitives from Harper's Ferry, and
support the cavalry, if needed ; the cavalry to face the
enemy and embarrass his movements. I was to march
over the mountain by Turner's Gap to Hagerstown.
As their minds were settled firmly upon the enterprise,
I offered no opposition further than to ask that the order
be so modified as to allow me to send R. H. Anderson's
division with McLaws and to halt mv own column near
the point designated for bivouac of General D. H.
THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 203
Hill's command. These suggestions were accepted, and
the order * so framed was issued.
It may be well to digress from my narrative for a mo-
ment just here to remark that General Lee's confidence
in the strength of his army, the situation of affairs, and
**' Head-quarters Army of Northern Virginia,
** September 9, 1862.
" Special Orders, No. 191.
** The army will resume its march to-morrow, taking the Hagerstown
road. General Jackson's command will form the advance, and, after
passing Middletown, with such portion as he may select, take the route
towards Sharpsburg, cross the Potomac at the most convenient point,
and, by Friday night, take possession of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
road, capture such of the enemy as may be at Martinsburg, and inter-
cept such as may attempt to escape from Harper^s Ferry.
** General Longstreet*s command will pursue the same road as far as
Boonsborough, where it will halt with the reserve, supply, and baggage
trains of the army.
** General McLaws, with his own division and that of General R. H.
Anderson, will follow General Longstreet. On reaching Middletown
he will take the route to Harper's Ferry, and by Friday morning pos-
sess himself of the Maryland Heights, and endeavor to capture the
enemy at Harper's Ferry and vicinity.
** General Walker, with his division, after accomplishing the object
in which he is now engaged, will ^ross the Potomac at Cheek's Ford,
ascend its right bank to Lovettsville, take possession of Loudoun
Heiglits, if practicable, by Friday morning. Key's Ford on his left, and
the road between the end of the mountain and the Potomac on his
right. He will, as far as practicable, co-operate with General McLaws
and General Jackson in intercepting the retreat of the enemy.
** General D. H. Hill's division will form the rear-guard of the army,
pursuing the road taken by the main bod3\ The reserve artillery, ord-
nance, supply-trains, etc., will precede Gteneral Hill.
** Gteneral Stuart will detach a squadron of cavalry to accompany the
commands of Generals Longstreet, Jackson, and McLaws, and with
the main body of the cavalry will cover the route of the anriy and bring
up all stragglers that may have been left behind.
** The commands of Generals Jackson, McLaws, and Walker, after
accomplishing the objects for which they have been detached, will join
the main body of the army at Boonsborough or Hagerstown.
** Each regiment on the march will habitually carry its axes in the
regimental ordnance wagons, for use of the men at their encampments
to procure wood, etc.
** By command of General R. E. Lee.
**R. H. Chilton,
*' Asalatant AdJutant-OeneraL
"Major General D. H. Hill,
** Voininwuliny Diviaioih^^
204 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
the value of the moral effect upon the country, North and
South, was made fully manifest by the nature of the cam-
paign he had just entered upon, especially that portion
of it directed against Harper's Ferry, which, as events
were soon to prove, weakened the effectiveness of his army
in the main issue, which happened to be Antietam.
In another and a very different way, and w^ith even
greater plainness, his high estimate of opportunity and
favoring condition of circumstances existing at the time
was indicated to the authorities, though of course not at
that time made public. This was his deliberate and ur-
gent advice to President Davis to join him and be pre-
pared to make a proposal for peace and independence
from the head of a conquering army. Fresh from the
Second Manassas, and already entered upon the fateful
Maryland campaign, he wrote the President this impor-
tant letter :
'^Head-quarters near Fredericktown, Md.,
'^Septembers, 1862.
''His Excellency Jefferson Davis,
" PresidetU of the Confederate States, Richmond^ Va. :
"Mr. President,— The present position of affairs, in my opin-
ion, places it in the power of the government of the Confederate
States to propose with propriety to that of the Uuited States the
recognition of our independence. For more than a year both
sections of the country have been devastated by hostilities which
have brought sorrow aud suffering upon thousands of homes^
without a<lvaucing the objects which our euemies proposed to
themselves in beginning the contest. Such a proposition,
coming from us at this time, could in no way be regarded as
suing for peace ; but, being made when it is in our power to in-
flict injury upon our adversary, would show conclusively to the
world that our sole object is the establishment of our indepen-
dence and the attainment of an honorable peace. The rejection
of this offer would prove to the country that the responsibility of
the continuance of the war does not rest upon us, but that the
party in power in the United States elect to prosecute it for pur-
poses of their own. The proposal of peace would enable the
people of the United States to determine at their coming elections
whether they will support those who favor a prolongation of the
THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 205
war, or those who wish to bring it to a termination, which can
bnt be productive of good to both parties without affecting the
honor of either.
'*I have the honor to be, with great resi)ect,
'' Your obedient servant,
^*R. E. Lee,
"General.''^
And now I return to my narrative.
General Walker's division was on detached service at
the time of the order, trying to cut the canal. He
marched, however, at the appointed time, found Cheek's
Ford under the severe fire of the enemy's batteries, and
marched on up the left bank as far as the Point of Rocks,
where he crossed and rested on the 11th. On the 12th
he marched to and bivouacked at Hillsboro' ; on the 13th,
to the foot of the Blue Ridge and occupied Loudoun
Heights by a detachment under Colonel Cooke.
Not satisfied with the organization of McLaws's column,
I asked and obtained permission on the 10th to strengthen
it by three other brigades, — Wilcox's, under Colonel Al-
fred Cumming ; Featherston's, and Pryor's, which were at-
tached to R. H. Anderson's division.
The diflferent columns from Frederick marched as or-
dered, except in the change authorized for Anderson's
division. It was a rollicking march, the Confederates
playing and singing, as they marched through the streets
of Frederick, " The Girl I left behind me."
Jackson recrossed the Potomac on the 11th, at Light's
Ford, ordered A. P. Hill's division by the turnpike to
Martinsburg, his own and Ewell's northwest to North
Mountain Depot to intercept troops that might retreat in
that direction from Martinsburg. General White, com-
manding the Union troops, abandoned Martinsburg the
night of the 11th, having timely advice of Jackson's
movements, and retreated to Harper's Ferry. On the
• BebeUion Record, vol. xix. part U. p. 600.
•i'»f2i*M
2<M; I'llo.M MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
]2th, flacksnii's troops cjuno together at Martiiisburg,
fouiul some stores of 1»hcoii and l>rea<l rations, and marched
on the loth tor IIar|K»r's Ferry, where lie found the Union
troojjs in battle array along Bolivar Heights.
I marcluMl across South ]\Iountain at Turner's Pass, and
hivouaeke(l near its western bas(». General I^ee ordered
my move contiinied to Hagerstown. The plans of the
Confe(h»rates, as blocked out, anticipated the surrender
of Harper's Ferry on Friday, the 12th, or Saturday,
the 13th, at latest. The change of my position from
Boonsl)orough to Hagerstown further misled our cavalry
commander and the commanders of the divisions at
Boonsl)orougli and Hari>er's Ferry into a feeling of
security that there could be no threatening by the army
from Washington.
1). H. Hiir« division crossed by Turner's Gap and
halt(Ml near lioonsborough. McLaws took the left-hand
road, marched through Burkittsville, and halted for the
night at the east base of the mountain, near Crampton's
and Brownsville Passes.
Near Crampton's Pass on the west tlie mountain un-
folds into two i)arallel ridges, the eastern, the general
range of South Mountain, the western. Elk Ridge, oj)en-
ing out Pleasant Valley, about three miles from crest to
crest.
CVampton's is the northern of the two passes, and about
eight miles south of Turner's. One mile south of Cranip
ton is the Brownsville l^ass, and four miles from that the
river pass, which cuts in between the Blue Ridge of Vir-
ginia and South Mountain of Maryland. Through the
river pass the Baltimore and Ohio Riulway, the canal, and
the Fredericktown turnpike reach out to the west, and at
the pass is the little town of Riverton. Between River-
ton and Harper's Ferry was the hamlet Sandy Hook, oc-
cupied by aiKHit fifteen hundred Federal troops. Two
roads wind through Pleasant Valley, one close under
THE MAllVLAXI) CAMPATGX. 207
South Mountain, the other hugging the foot-hills of Elk
Ridge, — the latter rugged, little used.
Harper's Ferry, against which Lee's new movement
was directed, nestles at the confluence of the Potomac and
Shenandoah Rivers, on the Virginia side, under the tow-
ering cliffs of Maryland or Cumberland Heights. At
Harper's Ferry the river cuts in so close under Maryland
Heights that they stand almost perpendicularly over it.
The crowded space between the heights and the river,
filled by the railway, canal, and turnpike, was made by
blastings from the southern extremities of Maryland
Heights. Under the precipice the railroad bridge crosses
the Potomac, and a pontoon bridge was laid a few yards
above it.
McLaws marched over into Pleasant Valley on the
11th, through Brownsville Pass, near which and over Elk
Ridge a road passes through Solomon's Gap of Elk Ridge.
From the top of this gap is a rugged way along the ridge
leading down to its southern projections and limits, by
which infantry only could find foothold. That southern
point is called Maryland Heights. Two brigades — Ker-
shaw's and Barksdale's — under General Kershaw were
ordered to ascend Elk Ridge, march along its summit,
driving off opposition, and capture the enemy's position
on the heights. General Semmes was left near the pass,
over which the troops had marched with his own and
Mahone's brigades, the latter under Colonel Parham with
orders to send a brigade to the top of Solomon's Gap to
cover Kershaw's rear. General Wright, of Anderson's
division, was ordered w^ith his brigade and two pieces of
artillery along the crest ridge of South Mountain to its
projection over Riverton. General Cobb was ordered
with his brigade along the base of Elk Ridge, to be
abreast of Kershaw's column. With the balance of his
command, General McLaws moved down the Valley by
the South Mountain road, connecting his march, by signal,
208 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
with General Kershaw's. Kershaw soon met a strong
force of skirmishers, which was steadily pushed back till
night. General Wright, without serious opposition,
reached the end of the mountain, when R. H. Anderson
sent another brigade — Pryor's — to occupy Weverton. On
the 13th, Kershaw renewed his fight agjiinst very strong
positions, forced his way across two abatis, along a rugged
plateau, dropping off on both sides, in rocky cliffs of forty
or fifty feet, encountered breastworks of logs and boul-
ders, struggled in a severe fight, captured the position, the
enemy's signal station, and at four p.m. gained possession
of the entire hold. Cobb's brigade was advanced, and
took possession of Sandy Hook without serious opposition.
The column near South Mountain was advanced to com-
plete the grasp against the enemy at Harper's Ferry. Up to
this hour General McLaws had heard nothing direct from
Generals Jackson and Walker, though from the direction
of the former sounds of artillery reached him, and later
a courier told that Jackson thought his leading division
would approach at two o'clock that afternoon. During
the day heavy cannonading was heard towards the east
and northeast, and rumors reached McLaws of the advance
of the enemy from Frederick, but the signal-parties and
cavalry failed to discover movements, so the firing was
not credited as of significance. The morning of the 14th
was occupied in cutting a road for his artillery up to the
point overlooking Harper's Ferry, and at two p.m. Cap-
tains Read and Carlton had their best guns in position
over the town. But during these progressions the Confed-
erates on other fields had been called to more serious work.
General McClellan, moving his columns out from the
vicinity of Washington City on the 5th, made slow and
very cautious marches to save fatigue of his men and at
the same time cover the capital against unforeseen contin-
gency ; so slow and cautious was the march that he only
covered forty or fifty miles in seven days. On the 12th
THE MARYLAXI) CAMPAUJN. 209
his head-quarters were at Urbana, where he received the
following telegram from President Lincoln :
"Governor Curt in telegraphs me, *I have advices that Jack-
son is crossing the Potomac at Williamsport, and probably the
whole rebel army will be drawn from Maryland.' "
The President added, —
"Eeceiving nothing from Harper's Ferry or Martinsburg to-
day, and positive information from ^V^leeling that the line is cut,
corroborates the idea that the enemy is recrossing the Potomac.
Pleiise do not let him get off without being hurt." *
Elsewhere General McClellan has written of the 12th :
" During these movements I had not impose<l long marches on
the columns. The absolute necessity of refitting and giving some
little rest to the troops worn down by previous long-continued
marches and severe fighting, together with the uncertainty as to
the actual position, strength, and intentions of the enemy, ren-
dered it incumbent upon me to move slowly and cautiously until
the head-quarters reached Urbana, where I first obtained reliable
information that the enemy's object was to move upon Harper's
Perry and the Cumberland Valley, and not upon Washington
and Baltimore."
His army was organized : Right wing, under Greneral
Bumside : First and Ninth Corps ; the Kanawha Divi-
sion, under General J. D. Cox, was assigned with the
Ninth Corps about the 8th instant.
Centre column : Second and Twelfth Corps, under Gen-
eral Sumner.
Left wing : Sixth Corps and Couch's division of the
Fourth under General Franklin ; Sykes's division, Fifth
Corps, independent.f
Besides the despatches of the 11th and 12th, his cav-
alry under General Pleasonton, which was vigilant and
* Rebellion Record, vol. xlx. part i. p. 41. McClellan ^s official ao-
oount
t Record, vol. xix. part L
14
210 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
jnishing, sent frequent re|)ort.s of his steady progress. In
the afternoon Plea.sonton and the Ninth Corps under Gen-
eral Reno entered Fredericktown. This advance, by the
National road, threatened to cut off two of Stuart's cavalry
regiments left at the Monocacy Bridge. To detain the
enemy till these were withdrawn, the outpost on that road
was reinforced. Hampton retired his cavalry beyond
Frederick and posted his artillery to cover the line of
march, where he was soon attacked by a formidable force.
To make safe the retreat of the brigade, a cavalry charge
was ordered, under Colonel Butler, Lieutenant Meaghan's
squadron leading. Colonel Moore, of the Twenty-eighth
Ohio Infantry, jind a number of other prisoners were cap-
tured. This so detained the enemy as to give safe with-
drawal for the brigade to Middletown, leaving Lieutenant-
Colonel Martin's cavalry and two guns on guard at the
gap of the Catoctin range of mountains.
Before withdrawing from Frederick on the 12th, Gen-
eral Stuart sent orders for the brigade under General
Fitzhugh Lee to move around the right of the Union
army and ascertain the meaning and strength of its
march.
Following his orders of the 12th, General Pleasonton
detached a cavalry brigade on the 13th and section of ar-
tillery under Colonel McReynolds to follow Fitzhugh
Lee, and Rush's Lancers were sent to Jefferson for Gen-
eral Franklin's column. With his main force he pursued
the Confederates towards Turner's Pass of South Moun-
tain. Midway between Frederick and South Mountain,
running parallel, is a lesser range, Catoctin, where he
encountered Stuart's rear-guard. After a severe affair he
secured the pass, moved on, and encountered a second
force near Middletown. Reinforced by Gibson's battery,
he attacked and forced the way to a third stand. This in
turn was forced back and into the mountain at Turner's
Pass.
THE MARYLAXD TAMPA TON. 211
On that day McClellan's columns marrlied : Ninth
Corps, to and near Middletown, eight miles ; First Corps,
to the Monocacy, eight miles ; Twelfth Corps, to Freder-
ick, nine miles ; Second Corps, to Frederick, eight miles ;
Sixth Corps, to Buckeystown, seven miles ; Couch's di-
vision, to Licksville, six miles ; Sykes's division, to Fred-
erick, eight miles.
At Frederick, General Lee's special order No. 191 was
handed to General McClellan at his head-quarters with
his centre (Sumner's) column.
How lost and how found we shall presently see, and
see that by the mischance and accident the Federal com-
mander came in possession of information that gave a
spur, and great advantage, to his somewhat demoralized
army.
CHAPTER XVI.
"the lost order" — SOUTH MOUNTAIN.
How the Federals found the DeHputch— With every Advantage McClel-
lan ** made liaste slowly" — Lee turns hack to meet him at South Moun-
tain—Longstreet preferred that the Stand should be made at Shar|>s-
burg— The Battle at the Pass— Many killed— General Garland of the
Confederate and Genenil Reno of the Union side— A future President
among the wounded— Estimate of Forces engaged.
The strange losing and stranger finding of Lee's " Gen-
eral Order No. 191," commonly referred to as "the lost
despatch/' which he had issued September 9 for the move-
ment of his army, made a difference in our Maryland
campaign for better or for worse.
Before this tell-tale slip of paper found its way to Mc-
Clellan's head-quarters he was well advised by his cavalry^,
and by despatches wired him from east and west, of the
movements of Lee's army, and later, on that eventful 13th
day of September, he received more valuable information,
even to a complete revelation of his adversary's plans and
purpose, such as no other commander, in the history of
w\ar, has had at a time so momentous. So well satisfied
was he that he was master of the military zodiac that he
despatched the Washington authorities of Lee's "gross
mistake" and exposure to severe penalties. There was not
a point upon which he wanted further information nor a
plea for a moment of delay. His army was moving
rapidly ; all that he wished for was that the plans of the
enemy would not be changed. The only change that oc-
curred in the plans was the delay of their execution,
which worked to his greater advantage. By following the
operations of the armies through the complications of the
campaign we may form better judgment of the work of
the commanders in finding ways through its intricacies :
212
"the lost order — BOUTH MOUNTAIN. 213
of the efforts of one to grasp the envied crown so hap-
lessly tendered ; of the other in seeking refuge that might
cover catastrophe involved in the complexity of miscon-
ceived plans.
The copy of the order that was lost was sent by Gen-
eral Jackson to General D. H. Hill under the impression
that Hill's division was part of his command, but the di-
vision had not been so assigned, and that copy of the
order was not delivered at Hill's head-quarters, but had
been put to other use. The order sent to General Hill
from general head-quarters was carefully preserved.
When the Federals marched into Frederick, just left
by the Confederates, General Sumner's column went into
camp about noon, and it was then that the despatch was
found by Colonel Silas Colgrove, who took it to division
head-quarters, whence it was quickly sent to the Federal
commander.
General McClellan reported to General Halleck that
the lost order had been handed him in the evening,
but it is evident that he had it at the time of his noonday
despatch to the President, from his reference to the facts
it exposed.
It is possible that it was at first suspected as a ruse
de guerre^ and that a little time was necessary to convince
McClellan of its genuineness, which may account for the
difference between the hinted information in his despatch
to General Halleck and the confident statement made at
noonday to the President.
Some of the Confederates were a little surprised that a
matter of such magnitude was intrusted to pen-and-ink
despatches. The copy sent me was carefully read, then
used as some persons use a little cut of tobacco, to be as-
sured that others could not have the benefit of its con-
tents.
It has been in evidence that the copy that was lost had
been used as a wrapper for three fragrant Confederate
214 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
cigars in the interim between its importance when issued
by the Confederate chief and its greater importance when
found by the Federals.
General Halleck thought the capital in imminent peril
before he heard from McClellan on the 13th, as shown on
that day by a despatch to General McClellan :
'*The capture of this place will throw us back six months, if
it should not destroy us."
But later, the " lost despatch" having turned up at head-
quarters of General McClellan, that commander apprised
the authorities of the true condition of affairs in the fol-
lowing, so i)leased that he did not fail to make his bow to
the ladies :
'^ Head-quabtees, Frederick, September 13, 1862, 12 m.
C Received 2.35 a.m., September 14.)
*' To THE President :
^* I have the whole rebel force iu front of me, but am confideut,
and no time shall be lost. I have a difficult task to perform, but
with God's blessing will accomplish it I think Lee has made a
gi-oss mistake, and that he will be severely punished for it. The
army is in motion as rapidly as possible. I hope for a great suc-
cess if the plans of the rebels remain unchanged. We have pos-
session of Catoctin. I have all the plans of the rebels, and will
catch them in their own trap if my men are equal to the emer-
gency. I now feel that I can count on them as of old. All forces
of Pennsylvania should be placed to co-operate at Chambei^sburg.
My respects to Mrs. Lincoln. Received most enthusiastically by
the ladies. Will send you trophies. All well, and with Good's
blessing will accomplish it
'^Geo. B. McClellan.''
** Frederick City, Md., September 13, 1862, 11 p.m.
(*^ Received 1 p.m., September 14.)
'^Major-General H. W. Halleck,
** Getieral-in- Chief:
" An order from General R. B. Lee, addressed to (General D. H.
Hill, which has accidentally come into my hands this evening, —
the authenticity of which is unquestionable, — discloses some of
** THE LOST ORDER — SOUTH MOUNTAIN. 215
the plans of the euemy, aud shows most couclusively that the
main rel>el army is now before us, including Longstreet's, Jack-
son's, the two Hills's, McLaws's, Walker's, R. H. Anderson's, and
Hood's commands. That army was ordered to march on the 10th,
and to attack and capture our forces at Harper's Ferry and Mar-
tinsburg yesterday, by surrounding them with such a heavy force
that they conceived it impossible they could escape. They were
also ordered to take possession of the Baltimore and Ohio Rjiil-
road ; afterwards to concentrate again at Boonsborough or Hagei-s-
town. That this was the plan of campaign on the 9th is con-
firmed by the fact that heavy firing has been heard in the direc-
tion of Harper's Ferry this afternoon, and the columns took the
roads specifie<l in the order. It may, therefore, in my judgment,
be regiirded as certain that this rebel army, which I have good
reasons for believing amounts to 120,000 men or more, and know
to be commanded by Lee in person, intended to attempt pene-
trating Pennsylvaniju The officers told their friends here that
they were going to Harrisburg and Philadelphia. My advance
has pushed forward to-day and overtaken the enemy on the
Middletown and Hari>er's Ferry roads, and several slight engage-
ments have taken place, in which our troops have driven the
enemy from their position. A train of wagons, about three-
quartei"S of a mile long, was destroyed to-day by the rebels in
their flight. We took over fitly prisoners. This army marches
forward early to-morrow morning, and will make forced marches,
to endeavor to relieve Colonel Miles, but I fear, unless he makes
a stout resistance, we may be too late.
** A report came in just this moment that Miles was attacked
to-day, and repulsed the enemy, but I do not know what credit
to attach to the statement. I shall do everything in my power to
save Miles if he still holds out. Portions of Burnside's and
Franklin's corps move forward this evening.
** I have received your despatch of ten a.m. You will perceive,
from what I have stated, that there is but little probability of the
enemy being in much force south of the Potomac. I do not, by
any means, wish to be understood as undervaluing the importance
of holding Washington. It is of great consequence, but upon the
success of this army the fate of the nation depends. It was for
this reason that I said everything else should be made subordi-
nate to placing this army in proper condition to meet the large
rebel force in our front. Unless General Lee has changed his
plans, I expect a severe general engagement to-morrow. I feel
confident that there is now no rebel force immediately threaten-
216 FBOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
ing Washington or Baltimore, but that I have the mass of their
troops to contend with, and they outnumber me when united.
^* Geo. B. McClellan,
^^ Major- Creneral,^^*
With the knowledge aflforded by securing Lee's " lost
order" the passes of the South Mountain became im-
portant points. If he could force them, McClellan
might fall on the divided columns of the Confederates
and reach Harper's Ferry in time to save its garrison ;
but Lee received intelligence of his only moderate forward
movement, and, without knowing then how it came to be
made, recalled a force to make resistance, and, so supple-
menting or complementing by his rapid moves the Federal
commander's slowness, saved his campaign from the disas-
trous failure that threatened it. .
Grerieral McClellan claimed to have been more vigorous
in pursuit after he received the "lost despatch," but
events do not support the claim. He had time after the
despatch was handed him to march his army to the foot
of South Mountain before night, but gave no orders,
except his letter to Greneral Franklin calling for vigor-
ous action, which was afterwards tempered by caution
to wait for developments at Turner's Pass. He gave no
intimation of the despatch to his cavalry leader, who
should have been the first to be advised of the points in
his possession. Greneral Pleasonton had pushed the Con-
federate cavalry back into the mountains long before night
of the 13th under his instructions of the 12th. Had he
been informed of the points known by his chief in the
afternoon, he would have occupied South Mountain at
Turner's Pass before any of the Confederate infantry was
there or apprised of his approach. Greneral McClellan's
orders for the 14th were dated, —
* Bebeliiou Record, vol xix. part 11. p. 281.
"the lost order" — SOUTH MOUNTAIN. 217
*^13th, 6.45 P.M., Coucli to move to Jeflferson with liis whole
division, and join Franklin.
'*13th, 8.45 P.M., Sumner to move at seven a.m.
^^13th, 11.30 P.M., Hooker to march at daylight to Middletown.
"13th, 11.30 P.M., Sykes to move at six A.M., after Hooker on
the Middletown and Hagerstown road.
" 14th, one a.m., artillery reserve to follow Sykes closely.
"14th, nine A.M., Sumner ordered to take the Shockstown road
to Middletown.
"Franklin's corps at Buckeystown to march for Burkitte-
ville." *
He wrote General Franklin at 6.20 p.m., giving the
substance of information of the despatch, but not men-
tioning when or how he came by it, and ordered him to
march for the mountain pass at Crampton's Gap, to seize
the pass if it was not strongly guarded, and march for
Rohrersville, to cut off the command under McLaws about
Maryland Heights, capture it, and relieve the garrison at
Harper's Ferry, and return to co-operate in capturing the
balance of the Confederate army north of the Potomac ;
but, in case the gap was occupied by a strong force, to
await operations against it until he heard the engagement
of the army moving upon Turner's Pass. He wrote Gen-
eral Franklin that General Pleasonton had cleared the
field east of the mountain of Confederate cavalry. After
relieving Harper's Ferry, Franklin was to destroy bridges
and guard against crossing of the Confederates to the
north side, his idea being to cut the Confederate army in
two and capture or break it up in detail. His appeal was
urgent for the best work that a general could exercise.
The division under General Couch was ordered to General
Franklin, without waiting for all of its forces to join. This
is the only order of the records that indicates unusual
action on the part of the Union commander, and General
Franklin's evidence before the Committee on the Conduct
* Rebellion Record, vol. xix. part i. p. 48.
218 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX,
of the War shows that his orders of the 13th were so
modified on the 14th as to direct his wait for Couch's
division to join him, and the division joined him after
nightfall.
The divisions of the Ninth Corps reached Middletown
on the 13th, under the orders of the 12th, issued before
the lost desj)atcli was found, one of them supporting
Pleasonton's cavalry ; but Rodman's, under misconception
of orders, marched back towards Frederick.
South Mountain range, standing between the armies,
courses across Maryland northeast and southwest. Its
average height is one thousand feet; its rugged })asses
give it strong military features. The })ass at Turner drops
off about four hundred feet. About a mile south of this
the old Sharpsburg road crosses at a greater elevation
through rugged windings ; a fork of this road, on the
mountain-side, makes a second way over below Fox's Pass,
while another turns to the right and leads back into the
turnpike at the summit, or Mountain House.
On the north side of the turnpike a road leads off to
the right, called the old Hagerstown road, which winds its
course through a valley between a spur and the mountain,
and courses back to the turnpike along the top. A more
rugged route than this opens a way to the mountain-top
by a route nearer the pike.
General Pleasonton, not advised of the lost despatch,
did not push for a careful reconnoissance on the 13th.
At the same time. General Stuart, forced back into the
mountains, finding his cavalry unserviceable, advised
General D. H. Hill of severe pressure, called for a brigade
of infantry, ordered Hampton's cavalry down to Cramp-
ton's Pass to assist Robertson's brigade. Colonel Munford
commanding, leaving the Jeff Davis Legion, under
Colonel Martin, Colonel Rosser with another cavalry de-
tachment, and Stuart's horse artillery to occupy the passes
by the old Sharpsburg road. Colquitt's brigade of infan-
a rr.w*^ ^^o.«, ^«^^^»»
THE LOST ORDER — SOUTH MOUNTAIN. 219
try reported to him under his call. After posting it near
the east base of the mountain to hold the pass, he rode to
join his other cavalry detachments down at Crampton's
Pass. He only knew of two brigades of infantry press-
ing him back, and so reported. His cavalry, ordered
around the Union right under General Fitzhugh Lee,
for information of the force in his front, had failed to
make report. General Hill ordered two brigades. Gar-
land's and Colquitt's, into the pass to report to Stuart, and
drew his other three near the foot of the mountain. Gar-
land's brigade filed to the right after ascending the moun-
tain, and halted near the turnj^ike. Colquitt's brigade
took its position across the turnpike and down towards
the base of the mountain. Lane's batteries at the summit.
It seems that up to the night of the 13th most of the
Confederates w^ere looking with confidence to the surrender
at Harper's Ferry on the 13th, to be promptly followed
by a move farther west, not thinking it possible that a
great struggle at and along the range of South Mountain
was impending ; that even on the 14th our cavalry leader
thought to continue his retrograde that day. General
Hill's attention was given more to his instructions to pre-
vent the escape of fugitives from Harper's Ferry than to
trouble along his front, as the instructions covered more
especially that duty, while information from the cavalry
gave no indication of serious trouble from the front.
A little after dark of the 13th, General Lee received,
through a scout, information of the advance of the Union
forces to the foot of South Mountain in solid ranks.
Later information confirmed this report, giving the esti-
mated strength at ninety thousand. General Lee still
held to the thought that he had ample time. He sent for
me, and I found him over his map. He told of the re-
ports, and asked my views. I thought it too late to march
on the 14th and properly man the pass at Turner's, and
expressed preference for concentrating D. H. Hill's and
220 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
my own force behind the Antietam at Sharpsburg, where
we could get together in season to make a strong defensive
fight, and at the same time check McClellan's march
towards Harper's Ferry, in case he thought to relieve the
beleaguered garrison by that route, forcing him to first
remove the obstacle on his flank. He preferred to make
the stand at Turner's Pass, and ordered the troops to
march next morning, ordering a brigade left at Hagers-
town to guard the trains. No warning was sent McLaws
to prepare to defend his rear, either by the commanding
general or by the chief of cavalry. The hallucination
that McClellan was not capable of serious w^ork seemed
to pervade our army, even to this moment of dreadful
threatening.
After retiring to my couch, reflecting upon afiairs, my
mind was so disturbed that I could not rest. As I studied,
the perils seemed to grow, till at last I made a light and
WTOte to tell General Lee of my troubled thoughts, and
appealed again for immediate concentration at Sharps-
burg. To this no answer came, but it relieved my mind
and gave me some rest.
At daylight in the morning the column marched (eight
brigades w4th the artillery), leaving Toombs's brigade.
A regiment of G. T. Anderson's that had been on guard
all night was not relieved in time to join the march, and
remained with Toombs. The day was hot and the roads
dry and beaten into impalpable powder, that rose in clouds
of dust from under our feet as we marched.
Before sunrise of the 14th, General Hill rode to the
top of the mountain to view the front to which his bri-
gade had been called the day before. As he rode he re-
ceived a message from General Stuart, informing him that
he had sent his main cavalry force to Crampton's Pass,
and was then en route to join it. He found Garland's
brigade at the summit, near the Mountain House, on the
right of the road, and Colquitt's well advanced down tlie
"the loot order" — SOUTH MOl^^TAIX. 221
east side. He withdrew the latter to the summit, and
posted two regiments on the north side of the pike behind
stone walls, the others on the south side under cover of a
w^oodland. Upon learning of the approaches to his posi-
tion, he ordered the brigade under G. B. Anderson and
one of Ripley's regiments up, leaving Rodes's brigade
and the balance of Rij)ley's to watch for refugees from
Harper's Ferry.
While he was withdrawing and posting Colquitt's bri-
gade, General Pleasonton was marching by the road three-
fourths of a mile south, feeling his way towards Fox's
Gap, with the brigade of infantry under Colonel Scam-
mon. Co-operating with this advance, Pleasonton used
his cavalry along the turnpike. His batteries were [)ut
in action near the foot of the mountain, except one section
of McMullen's under Lieutenant Crome, which advanced
with the infantry. The battle was thus opened by Gen-
eral Pleasonton and General Cox without orders, and
without information of the lost des})atch. The latter had
the foresight to support this move with his brigade under
Colonel Crook. Batteries of twenty-pound Parrott guns
were posted near the foot of the mountain in fine position
to open upon the Confederates at the summit.
After posting Colquitt's brigade, General Hill rode off
to his right to examine the approach to Fox's Gap, near
the point held by Rosser's cavalry and horse artillery.
As he passed near the gap he heard noise of troops work-
ing their way towards him, and soon artillery opened fire
across the gap over his head. He hurried back and sent
Garland's brigade, with Bondurant's battery, to meet the
approaching enemy. Grarland made connection with Ros-
ser's detachment and engaged in severe skirmish, arresting
the progress of Scammon's brigade till the coming of
Crook's, when Cox gave new force to his fight, and after
a severe contest, in which Garland fell, the division ad-
vanced in a gallant charge, which broke the ranks of the
222 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
brigade, discomfited by the loss of its gallant leader, j>art
of it breaking in confusion down the mountain, the left
withdrawing towards the turnpike. G. B. Anderson's
brigade was in time to check this success and hold for re-
inforcements. Ripley's brigade, called up later, came,
but passed to the right and beyond the fight. General
Hill had posted two batteries on the summit north of the
turnpike, which had a destructive cross fire on Cox as he
made his fight, and part of Colquitt's right regiments were
put in, in aid of G. B. Anderson's men. About two p.m.,
General Cox was reinforced by the division under General
Wilcox, and a little after three o'clock by Sturgis's divi-
sion, the corps commander, General Reno, taking com-
mand with his last division under Rodman.
As Sturgis's division came into the fight, the head of
my column reached the top of the pass, where the brigades
of G. T. Anderson and Drayton, under General D. R.
Jones, filed to the right to meet the battle, and soon after
General Hood with two brigades. The last reinforcement
braced the Confederate fight to a successful stand, and
held it till after night in hot contest, in which many brave
soldiers and valuable officers were lost on both sides.
The fight w^as between eight brigades on the Union side,
w^ith a detachment of cavalry and superior artillery attach-
ments, against two of D. H. Hill's and four of my bri-
gades, with Rosser's detachment of cavalry and artillery.
Ripley's brigade of Hill's division marched for the fight,
but lost its direction and failed to engage. The Con-
federate batteries made handsome combat, but were of
inferior metal and munitions. Numerically, the Union
brigades were stronger than the Confederates, mine having
lost more than half their numbers by the wayside from ex-
haustion under the forced march. It seems that several
brigades failed to connect closely with the action. Rip-
ley's, on the Confederate side. General Hill said, " didn't
pull a trigger." G. T. Anderson claimed that some of his
"the lost ohder*' — south mouxtaix. 22:]
skirmishers pulled a few triggers, while Harland's Union
brigade of Rodman's division seems to have had litth*
use for its guns. Lieutenant Crome brought a section of
McMullen's battery up in close connection with Cox's
advance, put it in, and hekl it in gallant action till his
gunners were reduced to the minimum of working force,
when he took the place of cannoneer and fought till mor-
tally wounded.
On the Union side the officers had their time to or-
ganize and place their battle, and showed skill in their
work. The Confederates had to meet the battle, as it was
called, after its opening, on Rosser's detachment. The
lamented Garland, equal to any emergency, was quick
enough to get his fine brigade in, and made excellent
battle, till his men, discouraged by the loss of their chief,
were overcome by the gallant assault under Cox. General
Reno, on the Union side, an officer of high character and
attainments, was killed about seven o'clock p.m. Among
the Union wounded was Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes,
afterwards President of the United States.
The pass by the lower trail, old Sharpsburg road, was
opened by this fight, but the Confederates standing so
close upon it made it necessary that they should be dis-
lodged before it could be utilized.
The First Corps marched from the Monocaey at day-
light and approached the mountain at one p.m. General
Hooker had three divisions, under Generals Hatch, Rick-
etts, and Meade. General Hatch had four brigades.
Generals Ricketts and Meade three each, with full ar-
tillery appointments. At two o'clock. General Hooker
was ordered north of the turnpike to make a diversion in
favor of the troops operating on the south side under
General Reno. Meade's division was marched, followed
by Hatch's and Ricketts's, — Meade's on the right. Hatch
on Meade's left, Ricketts in reserve. Meade's division was
deployed along the foot-hills. A cavalry regiment under
224 FROM MAXAS8AS TO APrOMATTOX.
G)lonel Williams, First Massachusetts, was sent to the
far right in observation. Meade's advance was followed
by Hatch and Ricketts.
General Hill's only available force to meet this formi-
dable move was his brigade under General Rodes. He
ordered Rodes to his left to a prominent position about a
mile off which commanded that part of the field. Cutts's
battalion of artillery had been posted on the left of the
turn})ike, to cover by its fire the route just assigned for
Hooker's march. The weight of the attack fell upon
Rodes's brigade, and was handsomely received. Evans's
brigade, fortunately, came up, and was sent to General
Hill, who ordered it out to connect with Rodes's right.
Before making close connection it became engaged, and
oj^erated near Rodes's right, connecting with his fight
and dropping back as the troops on his left were gradually
forced from point to point.
As the brigades under Generals Kemper, Garnett,
and Colonel Walker (Jenkins's brigade) approached the
mountain, a report reached general head-quarters that
the enemy was forcing his way down the mountain by the
old Sharpsburg road. To meet this General Lee ordered
those brigades to the right, and they marched a mile and
more down a rugged way along the base of the mountain
before the report was found to be erroneous, when the
brigades were ordered back to make their way to the pike
and to the top of the mountain in double time. General
Rodes had five regiments, one of which he left to partially
cover the wide opening between his position and the turn-
pike. In view of the great force approaching to attack
him his fight seemed almost hopeless, but he handled his
troops with skill, and delayed the enemy, with the little
help that finally came, till night, breaking from time to
time as he was forced nearer our centre at the turn-
pike.
Gibbon's brigade had been called from Hooker's corps,
" THK LOST ORDKU" — ^SOUTH MOUXTAIX. 225
and wjus ordered up the mountain by the direct route as
the corps engaged in its fight farther off on the right.
A spur of the mountain trends towards the east, open-
ing a valley between it and the mountain. Through this
valley and over the rising ground Meade's division ad-
vanced and made successful attack as he encountered the
Confederates. Cooper's battery marched, and assisted in the
several attacks as they were pushed up the mountain slope.
The ground was very rough, and the Confederates worked
hard to make it too rough, but the divisions, with their
strong lines of skirmishers, made progress. Rodes made
an effort to turn the right of the advancing divisions, but
Hooker put out a brigade from Hatch's division, which
pushed off the feeble effort, and Rodes lost his first
position.
It w^as near night when the brigades under Generals
Kemper and Garnett and Colonel Walker returned from
their march down the foot of the mountain and reached
the top. They were put in as they arrived to try to cover
the right of Rodes and Evans and fill the intervening
space to the turnpike. As they marched, the men dropped
along the road, as rapidly as if under severe skirmish. So
manifest was it that nature was exhausted, that no one
urged them to get up and try to keep their ranks. As the
brigades were led to places along the line, the divisions
of Hatch and Ricketts were advancing; the former, in
range, caught the brigades under fire before their lines
were formed. At the same time Meade's division was
forcilig Rodes and Evans from their positions, back
towards the turnpike.
General McClellan claimed fifteen hundred prisoners
taken by his troops, and that our loss in killed and
wounded was greater than his own, which was fifi;een
hundred. He estimated the forces as about equal, thirty
thousand each. General D. H. Hill does not admit that
the Confederates had more than nine thousand.
16
220 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Several efforts have been made to correctly report the
numerical strength of my column, some erroneously in-
cluding the brigades detached with R. H. Anderson's,
and others the brigade of General Toombs and the
regiment of G. T. Anderson's brigade, that were left
at Hagerstown. General Hill concedes reluctantly that
four thousand of my men came to his support in detach-
ments, but does not know how to estimate the loss. C!on-
sidering the severe forced march, the five brigades that
made direct ascent of the mountain were in good order.
The three that marched south of the turnpike, along a
narrow mountain trail part of the way, through wood-
lands and over boulders, returning, then up the mountain,
the last march at double time, were thinned to skeletons
of three or four hundred men to a brigade when they
reached the Mountain House. That they succeeded in
covering enough of the position to conceal our retreat after
night is sufficient encomium of their valorous spirit.
CHAPTER XVIL
PRELIMINARIES OF THE GREAT BATTLE.
Confederat'es retreat from South Mountain— Federals follow and harass
them — Franklin and Cobb at Crampton^s Pass — A spirited Action —
Fighting around Harper^s Ferry — Its Capitulation — The Confederates
take Eleven Thousand Prisoners— Jackson rejoins Lee — Description
of the Fielci of Antietam — McClellan posts his Corps— Lee's Lines
advantageously placed — Hooker's Advance on the Eve of Battle
should have been resisted.
At first sight of the situation, as I rode up the moun-
tain-side, it became evident that we were not in time nor
in sufficient force to secure our holding at Turner's Gap,
and a note was sent General Lee to prepare his mind for
disappointment, and give time for arrangements for re-
treat.
After nightfall General Hill and I rode down to liead-
quarters to make report. General Lee inquired of the
prospects for continuing the fight. I called upon General
Hill to demonstrate the situation, pasitions and forces. He
explained that the enemy was in great force with com-
manding positions on both flanks, which would give a
cross-fire for his batteries, in good range on our front,
making the cramped position of the Confederates at the
Mountain House untenable. His explanation was too
forcible to admit of further deliberation. General Lee
ordered withdrawal of the commands to Keedysville, and
on the march changed the order, making Sharpsburg
the point of assembly. General Hill's troops were first
withdrawn, and when under way, the other brigades fol-
lowed and were relieved by General Fitzhugh Lee's cav-
alry on the mountain at three o'clock in the morning.
Hood's two brigades, with G. T. Anderson's, as rear-
guard.
227
228 rUOM MAXASSAS TO. APPOMATTOX.
General Filzliugli Lee's cavalry was ordered to cover
our march, but Pleasonton pushed upon him so severely
with part of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry and Tidball's
battery that he was forced off from our line through Boons-
borouo;h and found his wav to the Potomac off* the rear of
General Lee's left, leaving his killed and wounded and
losing two pieces of artillery. Otherwise our march was
not disturbed. In addition to his regular complement of
artillery. General D. H. Hill had the battalion under
Lieutenant-Colonel A, S. Cutts. After crossing the An-
tietam the batteries were assigned positions near the ridge
under the crest, where they could best cover the fields on
the farther side of the stream. A few minutes after our
lines were manned, information came of the capitulation
of Harper's Ferry, and of the withdrawal of the troops
to the Virginia side of the Potomac.
General Toombs's brigade joined us early on the 15th,
and was posted over the Burnside Bridge. He was subse-
quently ordered to detach two regiments, as guard for
trains near Williamsport.
As long as the armies w^re linked to Harper's Ferry, the
heights in front of Sharpsburg offered a formidable defen-
sive line, and in view of possible operations from Harper's
Ferry, through the river pass, east of South Mountain,
formed a beautiful point of strategic diversion. But when
it transpired that Harper's Ferry was surrendered and
the position was not to be utilized, that the troops there
were to join us by a march on the south side, its charms
were changed to perplexities. The threatening attitude
towards the enemy's rear vanished, his line of communi-
cation was open and free of further care, and his army,
relieved of entanglements, was at liberty to cross the
Antietam by the upper fords and bridges, and approach
from vantage-ground General Lee's left. At the same
time the Federal left was reasonably secured from aggres-
sion by cramped and rugged ground along the Confed-
PRELIMIXARIES OF THE GREAT BATTLE. 229
erate right. Thus the altered circumstances changed all
of the features of the position in favor of the Federals.
Approaching Cranipton's Gap on the morning of the
14th, Hampton's cavalry encountered the enemy's and
made a dashing charge, which opened his way to Mun-
ford's, both parties losing valuable officers and men.
When General Stuart rode up, he saw nothing seriously
threatening, and ordered Hampton south to the river pass ;
thinking that there might be something more important
at that point, he rode himself to Maryland Heights to see
General McLaws, and to witness the operations at Har-
per's Ferry, posting Colonel Munford with two regiments
of cavalry, two regiments of Mahone's brigade under
Colonel Parham, part of the Tenth Georgia Infantry,
Chew's battery of four guns, and a section of navy how-
itzers, to guard the pass. The infantry regiments were
posted behind stone walls at the base of the mountain, the
cavalry dismounted on the flanks acting as sharp-shooters.
At noon General Franklin marched through Burkitts-
ville with his leading division under General Slocum,
holding the division under General W. F. Smith in re-
serve. His orders were to wait until Couch's division
joined him, but he judged that the wait might be more
favorable to the other side. Slocum deployed his bri-
gades, Bartlett's, Newton's, and Torbert's, from right to
left, posted Wolcott's battery of six guns on his left and
rear, and followed the advance of his skirmish line, the
right brigade leading. When the Confederate position
was well developed, the skirmishers were retired, and the
order to assault followed, — the right regiments of New-
ton's brigade supporting Bartlett's assault, the regiments
on the left supporting Torbert's. The Confederates made
a bold effort to hold, but the attack was too well organized
and too cleverly pushed to leave the matter long in doubt.
Their flanks, being severely crowded upon, soon began to
drop off, when a sweeping charge of Slocum's line gained
230 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
the position. The brigades of General Brooks and Col-
onel Irwin of General Smith's division were advanced to
Sloeum's left and joined in pursuit, which was so rapid
that the Confederates were not able to rally a good line ;
the entire mountain was abandoned to the Federals,
and the pursuit ended. Some four hundred prisoners,
seven hundred stand of arms, and one gun were their
trophies in this affair. General Franklin's total loss was
five hundred and thirty-three.*
General McLaws had ordered General Cobb's brigade
and the other regiments of Mahone's to reinforce the
troops at the gap, but they only came up as the Federals
were making their sweeping charge, and were driven back
with their discomfited comrades. General Semmes's bri-
gade at the Brownsville Pass, a mile south, with five or
six guns, attempted to relieve their comrades, but the
range was too great for effective work. That McLaws
was not prepared for the sudden onslaught is evident from
the assurances made him by the cavalry commander. His
orders for Cobb were severe enough, but Franklin was too
prompt to allow Cobb to get to work. Upon hearing the
noise of battle, he followed his orders, riding with General
Stuart, but the game was played before he could take part
in it. Night came and gave him time to organize his
forces for the next day. Had the defenders been posted
at the crest of the mountain it is probable they could
have delayed the assaulting forces until reinforced. But
cavalry commanders do not always post artillery and in-
fantry to greatest advantage.
General Cobb made worthy effort to arrest the retreat
and reorganize the forces, but was not able to fix a rally-
ing-point till after the pass was lost and the troops were
well out of fire of the pursuers. General Semmes came
to his aid, with his staff, but could accomplish nothing
* RebeUiou liecord, vol. xix. part i. p. 183.
PRELIMINARIES OF THE GREAT BATTLE. 231
until he drew two of his regiments from Brownsville Pass
and established them with a battery as rallying-point.
General McLaws reformed his line about a mile south of
the lost gap, and drew his force not necessary at Harper's
Ferry to that line during the night.
After dark, Lieutenant-C!olonel H. Davis rode from
Harper's Ferry with the Union cavalry and escaped, cap-
turing some fifty Confederate wagons moving south from
Hagerstown. McLaws had men to guard against that
escape, but was obliged to draw everything that could
be taken from the Harper's Ferry entanglement to de-
fend against the enemy let in on his rear without due
notice.
We left McLaws in possession of Maryland Heights, on
the 14th, with his best guns planted against the garrison
at Harper's Ferry. The Potomac River was between his
and Jackson's and Walker's forces, and the Shenandoah
divided Jackson's and Walker's commands. Walker
posted his division against ' the escape from Harper's
Ferry, and planted three Parrott guns of Captain French's
battery and two rifle pieces of Captain Branch's on Lou-
doun Heights, having effective fire along Bolivar Heights.
General Jackson sent word to McLaws and Walker that
the batteries were not to open till all were ready, but the
latter, hearing the engagement along South Mountain
drawing nearer, and fearing delay would prove fatal,
ordered his guns to open against batteries along Bolivar
Heights, and silenced those that were in range.
General Jackson ordered A. P. Hill's division along
the left bank of the Shenandoah to turn the enemy's
left, the division under Lawton down the turnpike in
support of Hill, his own division to threaten against the
enemy's right. Hill's division did its work in good style,
securing eligible positions on the enemy's left and left rear
of Bolivar Heights, and planted a number of batteries
upon them during the night ; and Jackson hud some of
232 FROM MANASSAS TO APP03IATT0X.
his best guns passed over the Shenandoah to commanding
points near the base of Loudoun Heights. At daylight
Lawton's command moved up close to the enemy. At the
same time the batteries of Hill's division opened tire, and a
little later all the batteries, including those of McLaws and
Walker. The signal ordered for the storming columns
was to be the cessation of artillerv fire. In about one
hour the enemy's fire ceased, when Jackson commanded
silence upon his side. Pender's brigade started, when the
enemy opened again with his artillery. The batteries of
Pegram and Crenshaw dashed forward and renewed ra})id
fire, when the signal of distress was raised.
Colonel D. H. Miles, the Federal commander at Har-
per's Ferry, was mortally wounded, and the actual surren-
der was made by General White, who gave up eleven
thousand prisoners, thirteen thousand small-arms, seventy-
two cannon, quantities of quartermaster's stores and of
subsistence.*
General Franklin had posted his division under (ieneral
Couch at Rohrersville on the morning of the lotb, and
proceeded to examine McLaws's line established the night
before across Pleasant Vallev. He found the Confederates
strongly posted covering the valley, their flanks against
the mountain-side. Before he could organize for attack
the firing at Harj)er's Ferry ceased, indicating surrender
of that garrison and leaving the troops oi)erating there
free to march against him. He j)re])ared, therefore, for
that eventualitv.
The "lost order" directed the commands of Generals
Jackson, iMcLaws, and Walker, after accomplishing the
objects for which they had been detached, to join the main
body of the army at Boonsbo rough or Hagerstown. Under
the order and the changed condition of affairs, they were
expected, in case of early capitulation at Harper's Ferry,
* JU'beUioii Hoeord, v<»l. xix. part i. p. IHJl,
PRELIMINARIES OF THE GREAT BATTLE. 233
to march up the Rohrersville-Boonsborough road against
McClellan's left. There were in those columns twenty-
six of General Lee's forty brigades, equipped with a fair
apiK>rtionment of artillery and cavalry. So it seemed to
he possible that Jackson would order McLaws and Walker
uj) the Rohrersville road, and move with his own corps
through the river pass east of South Mountain, against
McClellan's rear, as the speedier means of relief to Gen-
eral Lee's forces. But prudence would have gone with
the bolder move of his entire command east of the moun-
tain against McClellan's rear, with a fair field for strategy
and tactics. This move would have disturbed McClellan's
plans on the afternoon of the 15th, while there seemed
little hope that McClellan would delay his attack until
Jackson could join us, marching by the south side.
The field, and extreme of conditions, Avere more en-
couraging of results than Avas Napoleon's work at Areola.
General Jackson judged it better to join us by the south
side, marched promptly with two of his divisions (leaving
A. P. Hill with six brigades to receive the surrender and
captured property), then ordered Walker's and McLaws's
troops to folloAV his march. With his report of surrender
of the garrison he sent advice of his march by the south
side to join us.
At daylight on the loth the head of General Lee's
column reached the Antietam. General D. H. Hill, in
advance, crossed and filed into position to the left of the
Boonsborough turnpike, G. B. Anderson on his right,
Garland's brigade under Colonel McRae, Ripley, and
Colquitt, Rodes in rear near Sharpsburg, my command
on his right. The two brigades under Hood were on my
right, Kemper, Drayton, Jenkins (under Colonel Walker),
Washington Artillery, on the ridge near the turnpike, and
S. D. Lee's artillery. Pickett's brigade (under Garnett)
was in a second line, G. T. Anderson's brigade in rear of
the battalipns, Evans's brigade on the north side of the
234 FR03I MANAaSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
turnpike; Toombs's brigade joined and was posted at
bridge No. 3 (Burnside Bridge). As tlie battalions of
artillery attached to the divisions were all that could find
places, General Lee sent the reserve artillery under Gen-
eral Pendleton across the Potomac.
As soon as advised of the surrender and Jackson's
march by the south side, my brigades under Hood were
moved to the extreme left of the line, taking the division
of General D. H. Hill within my limits, while three of
8. D. Lee's batteries were sent in support of Hood's bri-
gades. The pursuit ordered by General McClellan was
the First, Second, and Twelfth Corps by the Boons-
borough turnpike, the Ninth Corps and Sykes's division
of the Fifth by the old Sharpsburg road ; * the Ninth
and Fifth to reinforce Franklin by the Rohrersville road,
or move to Sharpsburg.
About two o'clock in the afternoon the advance of the
Union army came in sight. General Porter had passed
the Ninth Corps with his division under Sykes and joined
Richardson's division of the Second. These divisions de-
ployed on the right and left of the turnpike and posted
their batteries, which drew on a desultory fire of artillery,
continuing until night. The morning of the 16th opened
as the evening of the previous day closed, except for the
arrival of the remainder of the Union troops. The Ninth
Corps took post at the lower bridge opposite the Con-
federate right, the First, the other divisions of the
Second, and the Twelfth Corps resting nearer Keedysville.
The display of their finely appointed batteries was im-
posing, as seen from Sharpsburg Heights.
Before maturing his plans. General McClellan had to
make a careful reconnoissance, and to know of the dispo-
sition to be made of the Confederate forces from Harper's
Ferry.
* liebellioii Record, vol. xix. part i. p. 47.
PRELIMINARIES OF THE GREAT BATTLE. 235
Of the latter point he was informed, if not assured,
before he posted the Ninth Corps. Four batteries of
twenty-pound Parrotts were planted on the height over-
looking the Antietam on their right ; on the crest near
the Burnside Bridge, Weed's three-inch guns and Benja-
min's twenty-pound Parrotts. At intervals between those
were posted some ten or more batteries, and the practice
becume more lively as the day wore on, till, observing the
unequal combat, I ordered the Confederates to hold their
ammunition, and the batteries of the other side, seeming
to approve the order, slackened their fire.
The Antietam, hardly worthy the name river, is a
sluggish stream coming down from Pennsylvania heights
in a floAV a little west of south till it nears the Potomac,
when it bends westward to its confluence. It is spanned
by four stone bridges, — at the Williamsport turnpike,
the Boonsborough-Sharpsburg turnpike, the Rohrersville
turnpike, and another near its mouth. The third was after-
Avards known as the Burnside Bridge. From the north sub-
urbs of Sharpsburg the Hagerstown turnpike leads north
a little west two miles, when it turns east of north to the
vanishing point of operations. A mile and a half from
Sharpsburg on the west of this road is the Dunker chapel,
near the southern border of a woodland, which spreads
northward half a mile, then a quarter or more westward.
East of the J)ike were open fields of corn and fruit, with
occasional woodlands of ten or twenty acres, as far as the
stream, where some heavier forests cumbered the river
banks. Greneral Lee's line stood on the Sharpsburg
Heights, his right a mile southeast of the village, the line
extending parallel with the Hagerstown turnpike, three
miles from his right, the left curved backward towards
the rear, and towards the great eastern bend of the Poto-
mac, near which were the cavalry and horse artillery.
Along the broken line were occasional ridges of limestone
cropping out in such shape as to give partial cover to
236 FROM MAXASSAg' TO APPOMATTOX.
infantry lying under them. Single batteries were posted
along the line, or under the crest of the heights, and the
battalions of the Washington Artillery, Cutts's, and S. D.
Lee's.
In forming his forces for the battle, General McClellan
divided his right wing, posted the Ninth Corps on his
left, at the Burnside Bridge, under General Cox, and as-
signed the First Corps, under General Hooker, for his
right flank. General Burnside was retained on his left.
The plan was to make the main attack against the Con-
federate left, or to make that a diversion in favor of the
main attack, and to follow success bv his reserve.
At two P.M. of the 16th, Hooker's First Corps crossed
the Antietam at the bridge near Keedysville and a near-
by ford, and marched against my left brigades. Generals
Meade, Ricketts, and Doubleday commanding the divi-
sions, battalions, and batteries of field artillery. The
sharp skirmish that ensued was one of the marked pre-
liminaries of the great battle ; but the Federals gained
nothing by it except an advanced position, which was of
little benefit and disclosed their purpose.
General Jackson was up from Harper's Ferry with
Ewell's division and his own, under Generals Lawton and
Jones. They were ordered out to General Lee's left, and
took post west of the Hagerstown turnpike, the right of
his line resting on my left, under Hood, Winder's and
Jones's brigades on the front, Starke's and Taliaferro's on
the second line, Early's brigade of Ewell's division on
the left of Jackson's division, with Hays's brigade for a
second ; Lawton's and Trimble's brigades were left at rest
near the chapel ; Poague's battery on Jackson's front ;
five other batteries prepared for action. Following Jack-
son's march to the left. General J. G. Walker came up
with his two brigades, and Avas posted on my extreme
right in the position left vacant by the change of Hood's
brigades.
PRELIMIXARIRS OF THE (JRKAT BATTLE. 2M
General Hooker was joined, as he marched that after-
noon, by his chief, who rode with him some little distance
conversing of pending affairs. It subsequently transpired
that Hooker thought the afternoon's w'ork ordered for his
corps (thirteen thousand) so far from support extremely
venturesome, and he Avas light. Jackson Avas up and in
position with tw^o divisions well on the flank of the attack
to be made bv Hooker. Hood Avith S. D. Lee's batteries
received Hooker's attack, and arrested its progress for the
day. If Jackson could have been put into this fight, and
also the brigades under J. G. Walker, Hooker's command
could have been fought out, if not crushed, before the
afternoon went out. He w^as beyond support for the day,
and the posting along the Antietam was such — we will
soon see — as to prevent effective diversion in his favor.
Events that followed authorize the claim for this combi-
nation, that it would have so disturbed the plans of Gen-
eral McClellan as to give us one or two days more for
concentration, causing him more serious trouble. But
Hood was left to fight alone.
Hood's skirmish line was out to be driven, or drawn in,
but throughout the severe engagement his line of battle
was not seriouslv disturbed. After nisht General Jackson
sent the brigades of Trimble and Lawton, under General
Lawton, to replace Hood's men, who were ordered to re-
plenish ammunition, and, after getting food, to resume
their places on my right. Preparing for battle. General
Jackson sent the brigade under General Early to support
Stuart's cavalry and horse artillery, and Lawton drew his
brigade, under General Hays, to support his others on
the right of Jackson's division.
General Mansfield crossed during the night with the
Twelfth Corps and took position supporting General
Hooker's command, with the divisions of Generals A. S.
Williams and George S. Greene, and field batteries.
A light rain began to fall at nine o'clock. The troops
-. ^;b^
238 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
along either line were near enough to hear voices from
the other side, and several spats occurred during the night
between the pickets, increasing in one instance to ex-
change of many shots ; but for the most part there was
silence or only the soft, smothered sound of the summer
rain over all that field on which was to break in the
morning the storm of lead and iron.
CHAPTER XVIII.
BATTLE OF SHAKP8BURG, OR ANTIETAM.
Bloodiest Single Day of the War— Comparison of Casualties— Hooker
opens the Fight against Jacl^son's Centre — Many Officers among the
Fallen early in the Day— McLaws and Walker in time to meet Sum-
ner's Advance under Sedgwick— Around Dunker Chapel — Richard-
son's splendid Advance against the Confederate Centre the Signal
of the bursting of another Storm— Longstreet's and D. H. Hill's
Troops stood before it— Fall of General G. B. Anderson— Gteneral
Richardson mortally wounded — Aggressive Spirit of his Command
broken— Wonderful Cannon-shot — General D. H. Hill's Third Horse
killed under him.
The field that I have described — ^the field lying along
the Antietam and including in its scope the little town of
Sharpsburg — was destined to pass into history as the
scene of the bloodiest single day of fighting of the Avar,
and that 17th of September was to become memorable as
the day of greatest carnage in the campaigns between the
North and South.
Gettysburg was the greatest battle of the war, but it
was for three days, and its total of casualties on either
side, terrible as it was, should be one-third larger to make
the average per diem equal to the losses at Sharpsburg.
Viewed by the measure of losses, Antietam was the
fourth battle of the war, Spottsylvania and the Wilder-
ness, as well as Gettysburg, exceeding it in number of
killed and wounded, but each of these dragged its tragedy
through several days.
Taking Confederate losses in killed and wounded as the
(Titerion of magnitude in battles, the Seven Days' Battle
(following McClellan's retreat), Gettysburg, and Chicka-
mauga exceeded Sharpsburg, but each of these occupied
several days, and on no single day in any one of them
was there such carnage as in this fierce struggle.
289
240 riJoM MANASSAS TO AI4H)MATT0X.
The Confederates lost in killed and wounded in the
Seven Days' Batth* 19,739, — more, it Avill be observed,
than at Gettysburii; (15,29<S), thou};h the total loss, in-
eluding oloO captured or missing, at the latter, l)rought
the figures up to those of the former (20,14S), in which
the captured or missing were only 87o. Our killed and
wounded at C'hickamauga were 1(),98(>, but that was in
two days' battle, while at Chancellorsville in three days
the killed and wounded were 10,74(5. It is impossible to
make the comparison Avith absolute exactness for the Con-
federate side, for the reason that our losses are given for
the entire campaign in Maryland, instead of separately
for the single great battle and several minor engage-
ments. Thus computed they were 12,187.* But nearly
all of these are known to have been losses at Sharpsburg,
and, making pro])er deductions for the casualties in other
actions of the campaign, the Confederate loss in this single
day's fighting was still in excess of that at the three
days'fight at Chancellorsville (10,740), and for the single
day far larger proportionally than in the two days at
Chickamauga, three days at Gettysburg, or seven days
on the bloody Chickaliominy.
But the sanguinary character of this battle is most
strikingly exhibited by a comparison of the accurate
figures of the Federal losses, returned specifically for the
day. These show a total killed and wounded of 11,657
(or, including the captured and missing, 12,410), as con-
trasted w^ith 20,567 killed and wounded in three days at
Gettysburg, 16,141 in eight days at Spottsylvania, and
14,283 in the three days at the Wilderness, while the
three and two days' fighting respectively at Chancellors-
ville and Chickamauga were actually productive of less
loss than this battle of one day. The exceeding losses
* Some authorities Bay (including a siuaU number of ** captured or
missing'') 12,6(U.
BATTLi: OF SHARPSIUTIICJ, OR AXTIKTAM. 241
of this battle are further shown by the fact that of the
11,657 Federals stricken on the field, the great number
of 2108 Avere actually slain, — more than two-thirds of
the number killed in three days at Gettysburg (3070).
And this tremendous tumult of carnage was entirely
compassed in the brief hours from daAvn to four o'clock
in the afternoon.
At three o'clock in the morning of the 17th firing along
the picket lines of the confronting and expectant armies
l3ecame quite frequent, and before daylight the batteries
began to plough the fields in front of them, feeling, as it
were, for the ranks of men Avhose destruction was better
suited to their ugly purpose.
As the dawn came, the fire spread along both lines from
left to right, across the Antietam and back again, and the
thunder of the big guns became continuous and increased
to mighty volume. To this was presently added the
sharper rattling of musketry, and the surge of mingling
sound SAveeping up and down the field wjis multiplied and
confused by the reverberations from the rocks and hills.
And in this great tumult of sound, which shook the
air and seemed to shatter the cliffs and ledges above the
Antietam, bodies of the facing foes were pushed forward
to closer work, and soon added the clash of steel to the
thunderous crash of cannon-shots.
The first impact came from Hooker's right division
under Doubleday, led by the choice brigade under Gib-
bon. It was deployed across the turnpike and struck the
centre of Jackson's division, Avhen close engagement was
strengthened by the brigades of Patrick, Phelps, and part
of Ilofmann's, Ricketts's division, engaged in close connec-
tion along Lawton's front. Hooker supported his battle
by his division under Meade, which called into action
three of D. H. Hill's brigades, — Ripley's, Colquitt's, and
McRae's. Hartsuff, the leading spirit of Ricketts's di-
vision, was the first general officer to fall severely hurt,
16
242 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
and later fell the commander of the corps, woimded also.
General Starke, commanding Jackson's division, was
killed. At six o'clock the Twelfth Corps came in, when
General Lawton called for Hood's brigades, " and all the
help he could bring." Hood's and G. T. Anderson's
brigades were put in, and the brigades from my right,
under J. G. Walker, marched promptly in response to
this call.
The weight of Mansfield's fight forced Jackson back
into the middle wood at the Dunker chapel, and D. H.
Hill's brigades to closer lines. Hood was in season to
brace them, and hold the line as he found it. In this
fight the corps commander. General Mansfield, fell, mor-
tally wounded, which took from that corps some of its
aggressive power.
Jackson, worn down and exhausted of ammunition,
withdrew his divisions at seven a.m., except Early's bri-
gade, that was with the cavalry. This he called back
to vacant ground on Hood's left. Two detachments, one
under Colonel Grigsby, of Virginia, the other under
Colonel StaflTord, of Louisiana, remained on the wooded
ground off from the left of Jackson's position. One of
the regiments of Early's brigade was left with the cav-
alry. Stuart retired to position corresponding to the line
of Jackson's broken front. The brigade under G. T.
Anderson joined on Hood's right, and the brigades under
J. G. Walker coming up took place on Hood's left,
Walker leaving two regiments to fill a vacant place be-
tween Anderson's brigade and Hood's right. Walker,
Hood, and D. H. Hill attacked against the Twelfth Corps ;
Avorn by its fight against Jackson, it was driven back
as far as the post-and-rail fence in the east open, where
they were checked. They were outside of the line, their
left in the air and exposed to the fire of a thirty-gun
battery posted at long range on the Hagerstown road by
General Doubleday. Their left was withdrawn, and the
BATTLE OF SilARrSBURG, OK ANTIETAH. 243
Hue rectified, when Greene's brigade of the Twelfth re-
sumed position in the northeast angle of the wood, which
it held until SedgAvick's division came in bold march.
In these fights offensiv^tind defensive the artillery bat-
talions under Lieutenant-Colonel S. D. Lee and Major
Frobel were in active combat, the former from the first
shot made before daylight. They had been severely
worked, and were nearly exhausted of ammunition. The
Washington Artillery was called on for a battery to as-
sist them, and some of the guns of the battalions were
sent for ammunition. Miller's battery of four Napoleon
guns came.
As Jackson withdrew. General Hooker's corps retired
to a point on the Hagerstown road about three-quarters
of a mile north of the battle-ground, where General
Doubleday established his thirty-gun battery. Jackson's
and Hooker's men had fought to exhaustion, and the
battle of the Twelfth Corps, taken up and continued by
Mansfield, had taken defensive relations, its chief mor-
tally wounded.
Generals Lawton, Ripley, and J. R. Jones were severely
wounded, and Colonel Douglas, commanding Lawton's
brigade, killed. A third of the men of Lawton's, Hays's,
and Trimble's brigades were reported killed or wounded.
Four of the field officers of Colquitt's brigade were killed,
five were wounded, the tenth and last contused by a
shell. All of Jackson's and D. H. Hill's troops engaged
suffered proportionally. Hood's, Walker's, and G. T.
Anderson's, though longer engaged, did not lose so
severely.
General Hooker's aggregate of loss was 2590 ; General
Mansfield's, 1746.
The Federal batteries, of position, on the east side were
more or less busy during the engagement, having occa-
sional opportunities for a raking fire on the troops along
Jackson's line and my left. The horse artillery under
244 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Stuart was strengthening to the Confederate left, and had
occasional opportunities for destructive fire across the
Union right when coming into action.
Although the battle along the line of contention had
become defensive, there were threatening movements on
the Boonsborough pike by Sykes's division and the horse
artillery under Pleiusonton, and Burnside was busy at his
bridge, Avorking to find his way across.
At the dose of the Walker- Hood-Hill affair, Hood
found his line making a large angle with the line of the
latter, which was rectified, (h*awing in the angle. Early's
regiments were in the wcmhI between Walker and the
cavalry, and the detachments under Colonels Grigsby and
Stafford in the wood some distance in advance of Early's
left.
The line thus organized Avas thin and worn by severe
attrition. The men were losing strength and the ammu-
nition getting low. Some gathered cartridges from their
fallen comrades and distributed them as far as they would
go, others went for fresh supplies.
McLaws's column came up at nine o'clock. He reix)rted
at General Lee's head-quarters, where he was ordered at
rest, and afterAvards rejujrted to me, Avith General Lee's
orders for his own division, and asked the disposition to
be made of R. H. Anderson's. He A\'as ordered to send
the latter to report to General 1). H. Hill.
Coincident Avith these arriAals, heaA'y columns of Fedenil
infantry and artillery Avere seen crossing the Antietam.
MorelTs divisicm of the Fifth Corps AA^as up and relieved
Richardson's of the Second, Avhich had been in our front
since its arrival on the loth. Richardson's foUoAving the
march of the trooj>s l)y the upper crossing advised us that
the next engagement would be by the Second Corps, under
CJeneral Sumn(M* ; Sedgwick's division AA^as in the lead as
thev marched. Our left centre was almost exhausted of
men and ammunition. The divisions of French and Rich-
BATTLE OF SHARPSBURG, OR ANTIETAM. 245
ardson followed in left echelon to (Sedgwick. Hood's bri-
gades had retired for fresh supply of ammunition, leaving
the guard to Walker's two brigades, G. T. Andei-son^s
brigade on Walker's right, ])art of Early's brigade on
Walker's left, and the regiments under Colonels Grigsby
and Stafford off the left front. McLaws's division was
called for, and on the march under conduct of Major
Taylor of general head-quarters staff.
At sight of Sumner's march. General Early rode from
the field in search, as he reported, of reinforcements.
His regiments naturally waited on the directions of the
leader.
General Sumner rode with his leading division under
General Sedgwick, to find the battle. Sedgwick marched
in column of brigades, Gorman, Dana, and Howard.
There was no officer on the Union side in charge of the
field, the other corps commanders having been killed or
wounded. General Sumner testified, —
** On going upon the tield I found that (renenil Hooker- s corps
had been dispersed and routed. I passed him some dista.nce in
the rear, whei'e he had been carried wounded, but I saw nothing
of his corps at all, as I was advancing with my command on the
field. There were some troops lying down on the left which I
took to belong to Mansfield's command. In the mean time Gen-
eral Mansfield had l)een killed, and a portion of his corps (for-
merly Banks's) had also been thrown into confusion." *
He passed Greene's brigade of the Twelfth, and marched
through the wood, leaving the Dunker chapel on his
left.
As McLaws approached. General Hood was sent to give
him careful instructions of the posture, of the grounds,
and the impending crisis. He marched with his brigades,
— Cobb's, Kershaw's, Semmes's, and Barksdale's. The
leading brigade filed to the right, before the approaching
* Report of Committee, part i. p. 368.
246
FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
march. Kershaw's leading reghnent filed into line as
Sedgwick's column approached the south side of the
Dunker chapel wood, — the latter on a diagonal march, —
while Kershaw's brigade was in fair front against it.
7 f "* '^
9
9
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Conftdetafit
"Federal
MCLAWS
Relative positions of McLaws and other Confederates and Sedgwick at their
opening.
The regiment opened prompt fire, and the other regiments
came into line in double time, opening fire by company as
they came to the front. The other brigades came into
line by companies, and forAvard into line by regiments.
Armistead's brigade had been drawn from R. H. Ander-
son's column to reinforce McLaws.
Sedgwick's diagonal march exposed his left to a
scattering fire from Walker's left brigade under M.
Ransom, but he kept his steady march while Walker in-
creased his fire. McLaws increasing his fire staggered
the march of Sedgwick, and presently arrested it. The
regiments under Colonels Stafford and Grigsby, coming
from their lurking-places, opened fire on Sedgwick's right
rear. At McLaws's opening Sedgwick essayed to form
line of battle ; the increasing fire on his right and left
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BATTLE OF SHABPSBURG, OR ANTIETAM. 247
rear, with the terrible fire in front, was confusing, but the
troops were eager to return the fire they found pouring
into their lines from three-quarters of a circle. To counter
the rear fire of Walker, General Sumner ordered the rear
brigade to face about. The troops, taking this to mean a
rearward march, proceeded to execute it without awaiting
further orders, which was soon followed by the other
brigades.
McLaws and Walker, pushing their success, were joined
by G. T. Anderson's, the brigades of D. H. Hill's left,
and those of R. H. Anderson's division, making strong
battle through the woodland and open to the post-and-rail
fence and to the Roulette House, where they encountered
Sumner's division under French, and parts of the Twelfth
Corps rallied on that part of the field. This contention
was firm and wasting on both sides, but held with per-
severing courage until Richardson's reserve, under Brooke,
was put against Hill's right and broke the Confederate
line back to the woodlands south of the chapel, where
Early's regiments had formed a rallying line.
When Hill's right was struck and pressed so severely,
Rodes's brigade, the reserve of his division, was ordered
out to support his right. The brigade advanced in good
strong battle, but General Rodes reported that he could
not move his Sixth Alabama Regiment in time, notwith-
standing his personal eflforts; that with the support of
that regiment the battle line of the Confederates could
have waited other supports.
General Sumner was eager in riding with his leading
division. He was always anxious to get in in time to use
all of his power, and thought others like himself. Had he
formed the corps into lines of divisions, in close echelon,
and moved as a corps, he would have marched through
and opened the way for Porter's command at bridge No.
2, and Pleasonton's cavalry, and for Burnside at the third
bridge, and forced the battle back to the river bank.
248 FROM 31AyASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
He was criticised for his opposition to Franklin's pro-
posed attack, but the chances are even that he was right.
The stir among Franklin's troops was observed from a
dead angle of our lines, and preparations were made to
meet it. General Jackson was marching back to us, and
it is possible that the attack might have resulted in min-
gling our troops with Franklin's down on the banks of the
Antietam.
After this fight the artillery battalions of S. D. Lee and
Frobel, quite out of ammunition, retired to replenish.
The battery of Na2)oleons was reduced to one section, that
short of annnunition and working hands.
General Hill rallied the greater part of G. B. Ander-
son's and Rodes's brigades in the sunken road. Some of
Ripley's men came together near Miller's guns at the
Hagerstown pike. General R. H. Anderson and his next
in rank, General Wright, were wounded. The next
officer, General Pryor, not advised of his new authority,
the brigades assembled at 2)oint6 most suited to their con-
venience, in rear of D. H. Hill's l)rigades.
But time was up. Confederate affiiirs were not encour-
aging. Our men were all leg-weary and heavy to handle,
while McClellan, with his tens of thousands, whom he had
marched in healthful exercise the past tw^o weeks, waa
finding and pounding us from left to right under con-
verging fire of his batteries east and west of the An-
tietam.
The signal of the approaching storm was the bursting
of Richardson's command, augmented by parts of French's
division, through the field of corn, hardly ruffled by the
affair at the Roulette House, spreading its grand march
against our centre. They came in brave style, in full
appreciation of the work in hand, marched better than
on drill, unfolded banners making gay their gallant step.
The Fifth Corps and Pleasonton's cavalry were in
active jjreparation to cross at the second bridge and join
BATTLE OF SHARPSBURG, OR ANTIETAM. 249
on Ricbardson's left, and Burnside at the third bridge
was pressing his claim for a passage against our right.
I bad i^osted G. T. Anderson's brigade behind a stone
fence near the Hagerstown pike, about the safest spot to
he found on the field of Sharpsburg, — a dead angle, so to
.S2)eak. The batteries on the field north and the long-
range thirty-gun battery of General Doubleday were
playing their fire down the pike, taking their aim by
the direction of the road, where they stood. This
brought their fire into the field about one hundred yards
in reur of Anderson's line. As the fire came from an
enfilade direction, the troops assumed that they were under
enfilade fire, and General Anderson changed position
without reporting. General D. H. Hill got hold of him
and moved him to the Boonsborough pike to defend
against Sykes's and Pleasonton's forces, advancing in that
(piarter. Thus, when Richardson's march approached its
objective, the Confederates had Boyce's battery, well out
in the corn-field, facing the march ; Miller's section of
Xa})oleons in the centre, and a single battery at McLaws's
rear, with fragment^^ of scattered brigades along the pike,
and the Twenty-seventh North Carolina Regiment to hold
the left centre, besides the brigades in the sunken road,
and the brigades of R. H. Anderson's division awaiting
the bloody struggle. They received the severe attack
in firm bolding for a long half-hour, the enemy pressing
closer at intervals, until an order of General Rodes's w^as
misconstrued and jmrt of his brigade under Lieutenant-
Colonel Light foot, of the Sixth Alabama Regiment, was
faced to the rear, and marched off, informing others that
that was the order.
General G. B. Anderson fell mortally wounded. The
enemy j^ressed in on his outer flank and called for surren-
der of the forces cut oflf and outflanked. Meagher's bri-
gade was retired to replenish ammunition, and Barlow
swung to his right and came against our fragments about
250 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Miller's guns, standing near his flank. Miller had two
guns, the others off* for a supply of ammunition. Cooke's
Twenty-seventh North Carolina Regiment was well organ-
ized, but short of ammunition ; fragments of Ripley's
brigade and some others were on the turnpike; Miller
was short of hands and ammunition, even for two guns ;
McLaws's division and the other part of Walker's were
in front of threatenings of parts of French's division and
of troops rallying on their front, and the Sixth Corps was
up and coming against them, so that it seemed hazardous
to call them off* and leave an open way. Our line was
throbbing at every point, so that I dared not call on Gren-
eral Lee for help. Sergeant Ellis thought that he could
bring up ammunition if he was authorized to order it.
He was authorized, and rode for and brought it. I
held the horses of some of my staff* who helped to man
the guns as cannoneers.
As the attacking forces drew nearer. Colonel Cooke re-
ported his ammunition exhausted. He was ordered to
hold on with the bayonet, and sent in return that he
would " hold till ice forms in regions where it was never
known," or words to that effect. As Richardson ad-
vanced through the corn he cut off* the battery under
Boyce, so that it was obliged to retire to save itself, and as
Barlow came upon our centre, the battery on our left was
for a time thrown out of fire lest they might injure friend
as much as foe. Barlow marched in steady good ranks,
and the remnants before him rose to the emergency.
They seemed to forget that they had known fatigue ; the
guns were played with life, and the brave spirits man-
ning them claimed that they were there to hold or to go
down with the guns.
As our shots rattled against the armored ranks. Colonel
Fairfax clapped his hands and ran for other charges.
The mood of the gunners to a man was one of quiet but
unflinching resolve to stand to the la«t gun. Captain
BATTLE OF SHARPSBURG, OR ANTIETAM. 251
Miller charged and double-charged with spherical case
and canister until his guns at the discharge leaped in the
air from ten to twelve inches.
When the crest was reached, the rush that was expected
to sweep us away paused, — the Confederates became hope-
ful. Soon the advancing ranks lay behind the crest, and
presently drew nearer Richardson's part of the line, then
mounting the crest over the Piper House. This latter
point, once established, must cut and break the Confed-
erate position as eflfectually as our centre just saved. He
occupied the Piper House with two regiments under
Colonel Brooke in advance of his line along the crest,
and called up some of his batteries.
The Confederates meanwhile were collecting other bat-
teries and infantry in defence, when a shot from one of
our batteries brought Richardson down, mortally wounded.
His taking-oflf broke the aggressive spirit of the division
and reduced its fight to the defensive. The regiments at
the Piper House found their position thus advanced too
much exposed, and withdrew to the stronger line of the
crest. General Meagher's brigade came up with ammuni-
tion replenished. General Hancock was despatched to
take command of the division. In the midst of the
tragedy, as Richardson approached the east crest, there
was a moment of amusement when General Hill, with
about fifty men and a battle-flag, ran to gain a vantage-
point for flank fire against Richardson's left. Colonel
Ross, observing the move and appreciating the oppor-
tunity, charged with two regiments for the same and
secured it. General Hill claimed (and rightly) that it
had efiect in giving the impression that there were other
forces coming to support him.
Another regiment came to the relief of the Twenty-
seventh, under Cooke. The movement of troops in that
quarter was construed by the enemy as a threatened flank
move against Richardson, which caused some little delay
202 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
ill his marcli. Though the Confederates had but frag-
ments here and there, the enemy were kept busy and
watchful lest they should come upon another sur2)rise
move.
The Confederates were surprised but much relieved
when they found this affair reduced to the defensive, and
assumed that every missile they sent nmst have found one
or more victims. But accounts of the other side make
clear that the result was due to accidental artillery shots
that cut down Colonel Barlow, the aggressive spirit of
Richardson's right colunni, and General Richardson him-
self at his culminating moment. Barlow fell from a case-
or canister-shot, as did Richardson. All the Union ac-
counts refer to a battery on their right throwing shell, and
the " two bniss guns in front throwing case and canister,"
and this latter was the only artillery at work against them
at the time of Barlow's fall. When Barlow's command
drew nearer the division the brass guns were turned upon
Richardson, but at the moment of his taking-oflf another
battery was in action on his left. General D. H. Hill
thought that Carter's battery wits in time to divide the
honor of the hist shot with the section of Napoleons under
Miller.
Orders were given General Pleasonton, at the second
bridge, to be ready to enter the battle as soon as the at-
tack by Richardson should oi)en the way. To meet these
orders skirmishers were advanced, and Tidball's battery,
by piece, using canister, to drive back the Confederate
sharp-shooters. The Fifth Corps (General Porter's) was
ordered to be readv for like service.
When Richardson swung his line up along the crest at
the Pij^er House, Pleasonton advanced troopers and bat-
teries, crossed the bridge at a gallop by the Fifth Regular
Cavalry, Farnsworth's brigade, Rush's brigade, two regi-
ments of the Fifth Brigade under B. F. Davis, and the
batteries of Tidball, Robertson, Hains, and Gibson. The
BATTLE OF SIIARPsSBURO, Oil AXTIKTAM. 203
batteries were put into action under the line of skirmishei-s,
that were reinforced by Sykes's division of the Fifth and
Tenth Infantry under Lieutenant Poland.
General Hill seized a musket and by example speedily
collected a number of men, who joined him in reinforcing
the line threatened by this heavy display. The parts of
brigades under General Pryor, Colonels Cummings, Posey,
and G. T. Anderson afterwards got up to help the brigade
of Evans already there. By these, with the batteries of
Squires, Gardner, and Richardson, this threatening demon-
stration was checked. Then it was reinforced bv the bat-
teries of Randol, Kusserow, and Van Reed, and the Fourth
United States Infantry, Captain Dryer ; the first battalion
of the Twelfth, Captain Blount ; second battalion of the
Twelfth, Captain Anderson ; first battalion of the Four-
teenth, Captain Brown, and second battalion of the Four-
teenth, Captain McKibbin, of Sykes's division ; the bat-
teries posted to command the field, right and left, to cover
Sumner's and Burnside's fronts, as soon as they could rise
to the plateau. S. D. lice's batteries were back on the
crest, replenished of ammunition, while the Union bat-
teries were on low ground, near the river. A very
clever well-organized advance was made, but their advan-
tages of position and the tenacious hold of the Confed-
erates, even after the attack reached the crest, enabled
them to drive back the assaulting forces. The horse bat-
teries went back to positions on the west side after replen-
ishing with ammunition, except Gibson's, which was put
in defensive attitude on the eiist. Pleasonton, with a com-
prehensive view of the opportunity, called for additional
force, but two of Morell's brigades had been ordered by
the upper crossing to Sumner's relief, and a detachment
had been sent to assist Burnside, which reduced the Fifth
Corps to the minimum of force necessary to the service to
which it was assigned ; not equal to the aggressive fight
to which it was invited. But for the breaking up of
254 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Richardson's aggression, this last advance could have
gained the field.
The Third Brigade of the Second Division, Sixth
Corps, made an erratic march across part of the field, the
Seventh Maine Regiment leading, and retired like a
meteor that loses its own fire.
A little after one o'clock this and other parts of the line,
except at the Burnside Bridge, settled down to defensive.
Burnside was still hard at work in search of a practical
line of advance, Toombs standing manfully against him.
During the lull, after the rencounter of Walker's,
Hill's, and Hood's divisions against Mansfield's last fight.
General Lee and myself, riding together under the crest
of General D. H. Hill's part of the line, were joined by
the latter. We were presently called to the crest to ob-
serve movements going on in the Union lines. The two
former dismounted and walked to the crest ; General Hill,
a little out of strength and thinking a single horseman
not likely to draw the enemy's fire, rode. As we reached
the crest I asked him to ride a little apart, as he would
likely draw fire upon the group. While viewing the field
a puflf of white smoke was seen to burst from a cannon's
mouth about a mile oflf. I remarked, " There is a shot for
General Hill," and, looking towards him, saw his horse
drop on his knees. Both forelegs were cut oflf just below
the knees. The dropping forward of the poor animal so
elevated his croup that it was not an easy matter for one
not an expert horseman to dismount a la militmre. To
add to the dilemma, there was a rubber coat with other
wraps strapped to the <5antle of the saddle. Failing in
his attempt to dismount, I suggested that he throw his
leg forward over the pommel. This gave him easy and
graceful dismount. This was the third horse shot under
him during the day, and the shot was one of the best
I ever witnessed. An equally good one was made by a
Confederate at Yorktown. An oflScer of the Topograph-
BATTLE OF SHARPSBURG, OR ANTIETAM. 255
ical Engineers walked into the open, in front of our lines,
fixed his plane table and seated himself to make a map
of the Confederate works. A non-commissioned officer,
without orders, adjusted his gun, carefully aimed it, and
fired. At the report of the gun all eyes were turned to
see the occasion of it, and then to observe the object,
when the shell was seen to exj)lode as if in the hands of
the officer. It had been dropped squarely upon the draw-
ing-table, and Lieutenant Wagner was mortally wounded.*
Of the first shot. Major Alfred A. WoodhuU, under date
of June 8, 1886, wrote, —
*^On the 17th of September, 1862, I was standing iu Weed's
battery, whose position is correctly given in the map, when a
man on, I think, a gray horse, appeared alK)ut a mile in front
of us, and footmen were recognized near. Captain Weed, who
was a remarkable artillerist, himself sighted and fired the gnu
at the horse, which was struck.''
* Of this shot, CupUin A. B. More, of Richmond, Virginia, wrote,
under date of June 16, 1886,—
**The Howitzers have always been proud of that shot, and, thinking
it would interest you, I write to say that it was fired by Corporal Holz-
burtoD, of the 8ecoud Company, Richmond Howitzers, from a ten-pound
Parrott."
CHAPTER XIX.
BATTLE OF SIIARPSBURG, OK ANTIETAM (CONTINUED).
('k>j<ing Events of tlu» Great Struggle— Burnside erosseft the Bridge he
made famous — Toombs made Gallant Defence, but was outnumlxred
and diHlodged— The Confederate Brigades from Harper's Ferry under
A. P. Hill in Time for the Final Crisis— Burnside's Advance arrested
by them— The Battle against Burnside ** appeared to spring from the
Karth'*—** Lee's old War Horse"— The Killing of a Kinsman at the
Bridge seriously affects General I). R. Jones — The Sharp Fight at
She])herd8to\vn— Confederates retreat— Casualties of the Battle —
Confederate Losses in the Campaign — Neither McClellan's Plan nor
Execution was strong.
At one or two points near our centre were dead angles
into which I rode from time to time for closer observation
of the enemy when his active aggression was suspended.
General Burnside was busy at his crossing, but no report
of progress had been sent me. One of my rides towards
the Dunker chapel revealed efforts of the enemy to renew
his work on that part of the field. Our troops were
ordered to be ready to receive it. Its non-aggression sug-
gested an opiK)rtunity for the Confederates, and I ordered
McLaws and Walker to prepare to assault. Hood was
back in position with his brigades, and Jackson was re-
ported on his way, all in full supply of ammunition. It
seemed probable that by concealing our movements under
cover of the wood from the massed batteries of Double-
day's artillery on the north, and the batteries of position on
the eiist, we could draw our columns so near to the enemy
in front before our move could be known that we would
have but a few rods to march before we could mingle our
ranks with those of the enemv ; that our columns massed
and in goodly numbers, pressing severely upon a single
point, would give the enemy much trouble, and might cut
him in two, and break up his battle arrangements at the
256
BATTLE OF &HARPSBURO, OR ANTTETAM. 257
lower bridge; but just then General Jackson reported,
with authority from General Lee, that he with the cavalry
was ordered to march around and turn the entire position
of the enemy by his right flank, and strike at his rear.
He found that the march would be long and extremely
hazardous, and abandoned his orders. So it appears that
counsels were divided on both sides, General McClellan
disapproving the attack proposed by Franklin, and Gen-
eral Lee preferring a flank move.
Of the proposed attack from the Union side. General
Franklin reported, —
^'Slocum's division arrived on the field about eleven o'clock.
Immediately after its arrival two of his brigades (Newton's and
Torbert's) were formed in column of attack to carry the wood in
the immediate vicinity of the White Church. The other brigade^
(Bartlett's) had been ordered by General Sumner to keep near his
right. As this brigade wiui to form the reserve for the rolumn
of attack, I waited until it came up. About the same time Gen-
eral Sumner arrived on the spot and directed the attack to Ih>
postponed, and the enemy at once proceeded to fill the wood with
infantry, and planted a battery there w^hich opened a severe fi!(*
ax>on us. Shortly afterwards the commanding genonil came to
the position, and decided that it would not be prudent to make
the attack, our position on the right being then considerably in
advance of what it had been in the morning." *
General McClellan claimed that his batteries on the
east side dispersed a column marching in the afternoon to
reinforce against General Sumner. This was probably
Jackson's command marching to their position on the line.
The fire only hurried the march of the troops to the front,
where they resumed their position.
We left General Toombs defending the crossing at the
Burnside Bridge, with the Second, Twentieth, and Fiftieth
Georgia Regiments, and a company of Jenkins's brigade
of South Carolina troops, against the Ninth Corps, com-
* Rebellion Reconl, vol. xlx. part i. p. 377.
17
2o8 FUO^r MAXAS8AS TO APPOMATTOX.
maiuleil by Gieni^rnl J. D. Cox, (General Biiriisiile, the com-
mander of the right wing present, commanding. Toombs
luul in his line of infantry five hundred and fifty men part
way up tlie swell of Sharpsburg Height^. Behind him he
posted iMibank's battery, and overlooking were J. B. Rich-
ardson's and Eshleman's to rake the bridge ; othei^s near.
The road on the Union side leading to the bridge runs
])arallel to the river about three hundred yards before it
reaches the bridge, and turns ui>-stream after crossing. On
the parallel to this line of march on the Confederate side
Tooml)s posted his infantry, the South Carolina company
in a marginal woodland above the bridge. Above and
near the bridge was a fording-place for infantry ; a thou-
sand yards below was a practicable ford for infantry and
artillery, by a country road. Toombs's orders were, when
dislodged, to retire south so as to open the field of fire to
all the troops on tiie heights behind him, the fire of his
batteries to be concentrated upon the bridge, and his in-
fantry arranged for a like converging fire. The ravines
cutting the swells of the foot-hills gave him fair ground
for retreat when he found his i)Osition no longer tenable.
He was to so manoeuvre as to have a flank fire on the
advancing columns, and gradually encircle so as to join
his division after passing the crest.
Earlv in the mornin<2:, General Burnside had been or-
dered to prepare the Ninth Cor2)S for attack at the bridge,
but to await further orders. At eight o'clock orders w^ere
sent to carry the bridge, gain possession of the heights,
and to advance along their crest ui)on Sharpsburg and
its rear. The order was repeated, and, finally, losing
patience. General McClellan sent the inspector-general
(Colonel Sackett)
*^To deliver to General Burnside my positive order to push
forward his trooi)S without a moment's delay, and if necessary to
carry tlie bridge at the point of the bayonet, and I ordei-ed
lUTTLK OP SKAUPSJUIK;, OR ANTIKTAM. 259
Colouel Sackett to remain with General Burnside and see that the
order was promptly executed.'' *
Upon receipt of the first order General Burnside ad-
vanced his troops, General Crook's brigade, supported
by General Sturgis's division, to the bridge and ford just
above it. These were preceded by the Eleventh Con-
necticut Regiment as skirmishers under Colonel Kings-
bury, who essayed crossing by the upper ford, but after
severe skirmish Colonel Kingsbury was killed and the
eflfort failed. The division under General Rodman sup-
ported by Scammon's brigade (commanded by Colonel
Ewing) moved towards the lower ford. Colonel Scam-
mon, commanding the Kanawha division, moved with this
column.
Wilcox's division was in rear of Sturgis, in reserve, and
near the left of Benjamin's battery. Clark's and Durell's
batteries were posted on the right. One section of Sim-
monds's battery was with Crook's brigade, the other with
Benjamin's battery. Dahlgren's boat-howitzers covered
the ford at Rodman's crossing. The last order was re-
ceived at ten o'clock. The line of skirmishers advanced
and engaged across the river. Crook's brigade marched
for the bridge. After a severe engagement of some
hours, General Crook posted two of Simmonds's guns in
position to cover the bridge, and after some little time
General Sturgis's division approached the bridge, led by
Naglee's brigade. The Second Brigade, General Ferrero,
was posted a little in reserve. The Second Maryland,
Colonel Duryea, and Sixth New Hampshire Regiments
were ordered forward in double time with bayonets
fixed to carry the bridge. They made a gallant, dash-
ing charge, crowding the bridge almost to its western
dehouche^ but the fire concentrated a storm that stunned
their ranks, thinned and cut them down until they were
'^ Rebellion Record, vol. i. part i. p. 63.
260 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
forced to retire. General Burnside repeated the order to
force the way at all hazards. Arrangements were made,
and when concluded the Fifty-first New York and Fifty-
first Pennsylvania Regiments were sent. They found a
route better covered from the Confederate fire than that
of the first column wliile marching for the bridge.
By a dashing charge on double time they passed it under
exulting hurrahs and most gaUant work, and gained the
west bank. The crossing by Rodman's division at the
lower ford made our position at the bridge untenable,
and General Toombs was prepared to retire the moment
the west bank was gained in his rear.
Union troops were hurried over, and organized for ad-
vance over Shurpsburg Heights, but Sturgis's division had
suffered, and, the ammunition getting low, it was found
necessary to replace it by the division under General
Wilcox, and Sturgis was ordered to hold position near the
bridge in reserve. The brigades under Rodman made
their crossing sooner, and waited a little for those at the
bridge. As soon as the hitter formed on the west bank,
Rodman drew nearer. He was su])ported by the Scam-
mon brigade of the Kanawha division, the brigade under
General Crook to move with tlie troops from the bridge.
Clark's, Durell's, Cook's, Muhlenberg's, and part of
Simmonds's batteries crossed with the infantry. About
four o'clock the troops were over and advanced under very
severe fire of artillery and infantry, increasing in force as
they ascended the heights, but the march was continued
in bold, admirable style, the troops engaging in steady,
brave fight as they marched. Overreaching my right,
they forced it back, breaking off Jones's right brigades
under Drayton, Kemi)er, and Garnett. Toombs, working
his way to the rear, managed to encircle the advancing
column and join the other brigades under D. R. Jones as
they were forced back. Jones used some of them in or-
ganizing a stand on the flank of the Union columns.
BATTLE OF SHARPSBURG, OR AXTIETAM. 261
Toombs was joined in his rearward move by his regiments
that had been sent off as train guards, by a battalion of
the Eleventh Georgia under Major Little, and sent the
regiments with liim to replenish ammunition. Meanwhile,
steady advancing battle was made by the Federals.
Batteries from all parts of our field drove to General
Lee, as well as detachments of infantry, including some
with fresh wounds from the morning battle, but the battle
moved bravely on.
When General Lee found that General Jackson had left
six of his brigades under General A. P. Hill to receive
the proi)erty and garrison surrendered at Harper's Ferry,
he sent orders for them to join him, and by magic spell
had them on the field to meet the final crisis. He ordered
two of them guided by Captain Latrobe to guard against
approach of other forces that might come against him by
bridge No. 4, Pender's and Brockenbrough's, and threw
Branch's, Gregg's and Archer's against the fore-front of
the battle, while Toombs's, Kemper's, and Garnett's en-
gaged against its right. Mcintosh's battery, sent in ad-
vance by A. P. Hill, was overrun and captured. Pegram's
and Crenshaw's batteries were put in with Hill's three
brigades. The Washington Artillery, S. D. Lee's, and
Frobel's found places for parts of their batteries, am-
munition rej^lenished. D. H. Hill found opportunity to
put in parts of his artillery under Elliott, Boyce, Carter,
and Maurin. Toombs's absent regiments returned, as he
made his way around to the enemy's right, and joined the
right of General D. R. Jones. The strong battle concen-
trating against General Burnside seemed to s])ring from
the earth as his march bore him farther from the river.
Outflanked and staggered by the gallant attack of A. P.
Hill's brigades, his advance was arrested.
The contention about the heights and suburbs of
Sharpsburg was anxiously held. General Cox, reinforced
by his reserve under General Sturgis, handled well his
2G2 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
left against A. P. Hill ; but, assailed in front and on Lis
flank by concentrating fires that were crushing, lie found
it necessary to recover his lines and withdraw. A. P.
Hill's brigades, Toombs and Kemper, followed. They
recovered Mcintosh's battery and the ground that had
been last on the right before the slow advancing night
dropped her mantle ui)on this field of sehlom equalled
strife.
When the Nintli Cor})s dropped back under the crest
they had so bravely won, the battle of Sharpsburg vir-
tually ended, though the fire between the lines was con-
tinued till nine o'clock. The field made classic by a
struggle of eighteen hours, too fearful to contemplate, was
yet cumbered by the dead and wounded. After the firing
ceased, parties from both sides, by nuitual consent, went in
search of fallen comrades.
After riding along the lines, giving instructions for the
night and morning, 1 rode for general head-quarters to
make report, but was delayed somewhat, finding wounded
men hidden away under stone walls and in fence cornei-s,
not yet looked after, and afterwards in assisting a family
whose home had been fired by a shell, so that all tlie other
officers had arrived, made their reports, and were hninging
about on the sod, when 1 rode uj). General Lee walked
up as I dismounted, threw liis hands upon my slioulders,
and hailed me with, ** Here is my uhl war-horse at last !"
One of those peculiarly ])ainful j)ers(>nal ex])eriences
which are innumerable in war, but seldom get into print
(save in fiction), ciune under my observation in this
battle. Colonel H. AV. Kingsbury, who was killed >vhile
gallantly leading the Eleventh Connecticut Regiment at
the ford near the IJurnside Bridge, was a brother-in-law
of (Jeneral D. R. Jones, who ^(mnnanded the Confederates
immediately opposing him. His taking-ofV was a severe
blow to Jones, and one fmni which he never recovered.
His health had not bei^n strong for some time. He aske^l
BATTLE OF SHARPSBURG, OR ANTIETAM. 263
leave of absence sliortly after this occurrence, and, gradu-
ally but hopelessly sinking, in a few months ])assed Over
to the silent majority to join his fallen kinsman.
A few shots were exchanged early on the 18tli, but a
kindly feeling seemed to take possession of the troops, as
they were not ordered into action, and excuses were passed
between the lines for looking after wounded comrades,
which resulted in a quaisi truce for the day.
The Burnside battle may be likened to that contem-
plated for Fitz-John Porter under his 4.30 order at the
Second Manassas. The latter, liowever, had the smaller
force, while Burnside's numbers Avere greater.
In tlie afternoon General Lee was advised of new ar-
rivals in General McClellan's army, and, thinking the few
stragglers who came u]) to swell his own ranks were not
sufficient to justify him in renewing the battle on the
19th, ordered his trains back, and after night marched
his troops across the Potomac at the ford near Shepherds-
town.
General Stuart was ordered to cross ahead of the gen-
eral move, recross the Potomac at Williamsport, and stand
guard to the rear of the columns in case of danger to their
crossing. The road being clear at nine o'clock, the army
marched ; the First Corps, in advance, crossed about two
A.M. on the 19th, awaited to guard the crossing, and at
daylight was de})loyed on the south side. A. P. Hill's
division covered the retreat of the army, and the cavalry
under Fitzhugh Lee was to follow, relieving lines of
picket guards and helping the feeble footmen. The rear
of the Confederate column crossed into Virginia at ten
A.M., unmolested. As the pursuit was not threatening.
General Lee ordered his army to continue the march to
proper points of bivouac, holding the artillery reserve
under General Pendleton and an infantry detail of the
brigades of Armistead and Lawton, commanded by Col-
onels Hodges and Lamar, iis guard at the ford. Genend
2G1 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Pendleton posted some thirty guns in position for con-
verging fire at the ford, and i)ut a line of skirmishers
near it, holding the infantry reserve and eleven guns at
the rear.
About noon the Union cavalry appeared on the other
bank. The batteries of Gibson, Tidball, and Robertson
were j)ut in action, but relieved about two o'clock by ar-
tillery of tlie Fifth Corps. After a severe combat the
Fourth Michigan Regiment and parts of the One Hun-
dred and Eighteenth Pennsylvania and Eighteenth and
Twenty-second Massachusetts were ordered over under
General Griffin. They forced the passage under artillery
and infantry fire, scaled the heights, and got possession of
five guns of different batteries and a number of small-arms,
when, night approaching, the detachment was recalled.
General Pendleton reported the result to general head-
quarters, and General Lee ordered General Jackson to
send his nearest division back to the ford early in the
morning.
A. P. Hill's division was ordered. He was fortunate
in ajiproaching the ford (Boteler's) before the Federals
had crossed all of their advancing column ; formed his
brigades in two lines and advanced to attack. General
Porter, upon the report of this advance, found that his
troops could not get position on the south bank in time to
meet this threatening, ordered the troops withdrawn to
cover about the canal and adjacent heights, and succeeded
in getting most of his men safely back.
General Hill deployed the brigades of Gregg, Thomas,
and Pender as his front line, under command of General
Gregg. Lane's (Branch's brigade), Archer's, and Brock-
enbrough's brigades were of his second line, commanded
by General Archer. In this order the division advanced
and engaged in a severe struggle. Finding the fight on
his front heavv, General Pender called to General Archer
for support, and the hitter, moving by his left, brought his
BATTLE OF SHARPSBURG, OR ANTIETAM. 2G5
brigade on Pender's left, when the advance was pushed to
successful issue. The One Hundred and Eighteenth Penn-
sylvania Regiment was thrown into confusion and suffered
heavy loss. One of the guns lost the day before was
recovered and two hundred prisoners taken. The losses
were between two hundred and .fifty and three hundred
on each side, the Federals losing about twenty more than
the Confederates. The Confederate accounts of this affair
were overdrawn, but they were rciissuring after the severe
experience about South Mountain and Sharpsburg.
The Army of Northern Virginia was then marched to
the vicinity of Martinsburg, where it remained in repose
for several days, then retired to the vicinity of Winches-
ter. The Army of the Potomac concentrated about Har-
per's Ferry, refitting its supplies and transportation.
We may say of the battle of Sharpsburg that the Con-
federates foiled every attack that was made, and brought
the Army of the Potomac to a stand at night, yet the
Federal commander scored a success that was startling.
The commander of the Army of the Potomac reported
his strength as 87,164. His estimate of the strength of
the Army of Northern Virginia was 97,445. The Con-
federate commander estimated his own strength for battle
at 37,000, and that of his adversary at 90,000.
The Confederates fought all of their men that were on
the field, except two brigades of A. P. Hill's division and
some of their field batteries.
Of the Federals, the Fifth Corps, except about one bri-
gade of infantry, was not in action ; and the Sixth
Corps, except Irwin's brigade, seems to have had little
serious work.
It is generally conceded that the Federals, in addition
to advantage of numbers, had their organizations in hand,
were better fed and clothed, and better prepared, there-
fore, to muster a larger portion of their number for battle.
The casualties of the Firnt Corps, Army of Nortliorn
266 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Virginia, in the engagements at South Mountain, Cramj)-
ton's Gap, Maryland Heiglits, Harper's Ferry, and
Sharpsburg, as tabulated in tlie official report, were 7508.'*'
Neither General Jackson's report nor General D. H.
Hill's furnishes a detailed account of casualties. The
former gives aggregate figures 2488, the latter 3241, —
making a grand aggregate of 13,187.t None of these
reports include the losses of the cavalry command, nor
is there a report of them found among the Records.
The Army of Northern Virginia concentrated at and
near Fredericktown on the 9th of September, 1862, num-
bered a trifle over 61,000, all arms. General Lee's esti-
mate of his troops engaged at Sharpsburg was 37,000.
This may not include his cavalry arm, conceding which,
his force on the field should have Ik^mi about 41,000.
Estimating the cavalry loss at ofX), our losses of battle
should be 13,687, which leaves 20,000 to be accounted for
as lost by severe continuous labor and marches. This,
added to the losses in action, make^ a grand total of 33,687
lost in the Maryland campaign. The losses from over-
work were only temporary. Most of them were back in
the ranks within fifteen days after the return to Virginia.
But all of these large figures are trifles compared to the
lamentable loss of the fruits of devoted service from the
Chickahominy campaign to the Potomac.
The casualties of the Union side, reported by official
count, were 12,410.
The best tactical moves at Antietam were made by
Generals McLaws, A. P. Hill, Gibbon, and Patrick, and
Colonels Barlow and Cross. Generals D. H. Hill and
Hood were like game-cocks, fighting as long as they could
stand, engaging again as soon as strong enough to rise.
* This includes eiKhty-fivo lost by 8. D. Lco*a artiHory, not regularly
assigned as part of the corps.
t .Sur^rnii Latayelle (»uiKl, niedieal tlireetor of the Army of Northern
Virginia, in his oflieial tal)ulated report, accounts for l(»,2f)lonly.
BATTLE OF 8HARPSBURG, OR AXTIETAM, 207
General Toombs and Colonel Benning performed very
clever work at the Burnside Bridge. Of Colonel Cooke,
the Twenty-seventh North Carolina Regiment, Captain
Miller, Sergeant Ellis, and their men of the Washington
Artillery, General Lee said, " They were heroic."
General McClellan's plan of the battle was not strong,
the handling and execution were less so. Battles by the
extreme right and left, divided by a river, gave us the
benefit of interior lines, and it was that that saved the
Confederate army, for it became manifest early in the day
that his reserves were held at the bridge No. 2, which
gave us freer use of our inner lines.
Following is a condensed but accurate presentation of
the organization of the contending armies in the battle
of Sharpsburg and the Maryland campaign : *
Army of Northern Virc4inia, General Robert E. Lee com-
manding.
Longstreet's Corps, Major-Genera l James Longstreet.
McLaws^s Division, Maj.-Gen. Lafayette McLaws : —Kershaw^ a Br l-
gadcy Brig.-Gen. J. B. Kershaw ; 2d S. C, Col. John D. Kennedy ; 3d
8. C, Col. James D. Nance ; 7th 8. C, Col. D. Wyatt Aiken and Capt.
John 8. Hard ; 8th 8. C, Lieut.-Col. A. J. Hoole. Cobb^s Brigade^
Brig.-Gen. Howell Cohl), Lieut.-Col. C. C. Sanders, Lieut.-Col. William
MacKae ; 16th and 24th Ga., Cobb's (Ga.) Legion, 15th N. C. Semmes'8
Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. Paul J. 8emmes ; 10th Ga., Capt. P. H. Loud; 53d
Ga., Lieut.-Col. Thomas 81oan and Capt. 8. W. Marshborne ; 15th Va.,
Capts. E. M. Morrison and E. J. Willis ; 32d Va., Col. E. B. Montague.
Barksdafe'^s Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. William Barksdale ; 13th Miss., Lieut.-
Col. Kennon McElroy ; 17th Miss., Lieut.-Col. John C. Fiser ; 18th Miss.,
Maj. J. C. Campbell and Lieut.-Col. William H. Luse ; 21st Miss., Capt.
John 8im8 and Col. Benjamin G. Humphreys, Artillery^ Maj. 8. P.
Hamilton, Col. H. C. Cabell ; Manly's (N. C.) battery, Capt. B. C.
Manly ; Pulaski (Ga.) Art., Capt. J. P. W. Read ; Richmond (Fayette)
Art., Capt. M. C. Macon ; Richmond Howitzers (1st Co.), Capt. E. 8.
McCarthy ; Troup (Ga.) Art., Capt. H. H. Carlton.
Anderson's Division, Maj.-Gen. Richard H. Anderson :— Wilcox's
Brigade^ Col. Alfred Cumniing ; 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th Ala. Mahone^a
Brigade, Col. William A. Parhani ; 6th, 12th, 10th, 4l8t, and Gist Va.
Feathcraton'^a Brigade, Brig.-Gen, Wiufield 8. Featherston, Col. Carnot
Posey ; 12th Miss., 16th Miss., Capt. A. M. Feltus ; 19th Miss., 2d Miss.
* ('oni]>iled from the ofllcinl rejM»rts,
268 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Buttu. Armiatcad'a Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. Lewis A. Armistead, Col. J.
G. Ho<lgt?s ; 9th, 14th, 38th, 53d, and 57th Va. Pryor^s Brigade, Brig.-
Gon. ll(3gcr A. Pryor ; 14th Ala., 2d and 8th Fla., 3d Va. Wright's
Brigade, Brig.-Gen. A. R. Wright; 44th Ala., 3d, 22d, and 48th Ga.
ArtiUcrij, Maj. John 8. Saundera ; Donaldson ville (La.) Art. (Maurin's
battery), Huger^s (Va.) battery, Moormau^s (Va.) battery, Thompson's
(Grimes's) (Va.) battery.
Jones's Division, Brig.-Gen. David R. Jones :— 7V>om^M'i{ Brigade,
Brig.-Gen. Robert ToombM, Col. Henry L. Benning ; 2d Ga., Lient.-Col.
William R. Holmes and Major Skidmore Harris ; 15th Ga., Col. W. T.
Millican; 17th Ga., Capt. J. A. McGregor; 20th Ga., Col. J. B. Cum-
ming. Drayioii'H Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Thomas F. Drayt(»n ; 5()tii Ga.,
Lieut.-Col. F. Kearse ; 5l8t Ga., 15th 8. C, Col. W. D. De Sausaure.
PicketVs Brigade, Col. Eiipa Hunton, Brig.-Gen. R. B. Garnett ; 8th
Va., Col. Eppa Hunton ; 18th Va., Maj. George C. Cabell ; 19th Va., Col.
J. B. Strange, Lieut. W. N. Wood, and Capt. J. L. Cochran ; 28th Va.,
Capt. Wingfield ; 56th Va., Col. William D. 8tuart and Capt. McPhail.
Kemjjcr's Brigade, Brig.-Gen. J. L. Kemper; 1st, 7th, lltli, I7th, and
24lh Va. Jenkins's Brigade, Col. Joseph Walker ; 1st 8. C. (Vols.),
Lieut.-Col. D. Livingston ; 2d 8. C. Rifles, 5th 8. C, Capt T. C. Beck-
ham ; 6th 8. C, Lieut.-Col. J. M. 8teedman, Capt. E. B. Cantey ; 4th 8. C.
(Battn.), Palmetto (8. C.) Sharp-shooters. AnderHOiVa Brigade, Col.
George T. Anderson ; Ist Ga. (Regulars), Col. W. J. Magill ; 7th, 8th, and
9th Ga. ; lltli Ga., Maj. F. H. Little. Artillery, Fauquier (Va.) Art.
(8tribling's battery),* Loudoun (V^a.) Art. (Rogers's battery),* Turner
(Va.) Art. (Leake's battery),* Wise (Va.) Art. (J. 8. Brown's battery).
Walker's Division, Brig.-Gen. John G. Walker :— ira/A:cr'« Bri-
gade, Col. Van H. Manning, Col. E. D. Hall ; 3d Ark., Capt. John W.
Reedy ; 27th N. C, Col. J. R. Cooke ; 46tli N. C, Col. E. D. Hall ; 48th
N. C, Col. R. C. Hill ; 30th Va., French's (Va.) battery, Capt. Thomas
B. French. Hansom's Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Robert Ransom, Jr. ; 24th
N. C, Lieut.-Col. John L. Harris ; 2dth N. C, Col. H. M. Rutledge ;
35th N. C, Col. M. W. Ransom ; 49th N. C, Lieut.-Col. Lee M. McAfee ;
Branch's Field Art. (Va.), Capt. Branch.
Hood's Division, Brig.-Gen. John B. Hood :- Hood's Brigade, Col.
W. T. WofTord ; 18th Ga., Lieut.-Col. 8. Z. RufT; Hampton (8. C.) Le-
gion, Lieut.-Col. M. W. Gary ; 1st Tex., Lieut.-Col.. P. A. Work ; 4th
Tex., Lieut.-Col. B. F. Carter ; 5th Tex., Capt. I. N. M. Turner. Law's
Brigade, Col. E. M. Law ; 4th Ala., Lieut.-Col. O. K. McLemore ; 2d
Miss., Col. J. M. Stone; 11th Miss., Col. P. F. Liddell ; 6th ;sr. C, Maj.
Robert F. Webb, Artillery, Maj. B. W. Frobel ; German Art. (8. C),
Capt. W. K. Baehman ; Palmetto Art. (8. C), Capt. H. R. Garden ;
Rowan Art. (N. C), Capt. James Reilly.
Evans's Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Nathan G. Evans, Col. P. F. Stevens ; f
17th 8. C, Col. F. W. McMaster ; 18th 8. C, Col. W. H. Wallace ; 22d
8. C, Lieut.-Col. T. C. Watkins and Maj. M. Hilton ; 23d 8. C, Capt.
* Left at Leesburg.
t Commanding brigade while General Evans commanded provisional
division.
BATTLE OF SHATlPftBUIlO, CR AXTIETAM. 209
8. A. Durham and Lieut. E. R. White; Holcomlje (S. C.) Legion, Col..
P. F. Stevens; Macbeth (S. C.) Art., Capt. R. Boyee.
Artillery :— Washington (La,) Artillery^ Col. J. B. Walton ; Ist Cop
Capt. C. W. Squires ; 2d Co., Capt. J. B, Richardson ; 3d Co., Capt. M.
B. Miller; 4th Co., Capt. B. F. Eslileinan. Lre's Battalion, Col. S. D.
I.KKJ; Ashland (Va.) Art., Capt. P. Woolfolk, Jr.; Bedford (Va.) Art.,
Capt. T. C. Jordan; Brooks (S. C.) Art., Lieut. William Elliott; Eu-
bank'H (Va.) battery, Capt. J. L. Eubank ; Madison (La.) Light Art.,
Capt. (i. V. Moody; Parker^s (Va.) battery, Capt. W. W. Parker.
Jackson\s Corps, Major-General Thomas J. Jackson.
Ewell's Division, Brig. -Gen. A. R. Lawton, Brig.-Gen. Jubal A.
Early : — Lawton^s Briyade, Col. M. Douglass, Maj. J. H. Lowe, Col.
John H. Lamar ; 13th and 2(»th Ga., 31st Ga., Lieut.-Col. J. T. Crowder ;
38th, 60th, and 61st Ga. Earhf'a Bric/atle, Brig.-Gen. Jubal A. Early,
Col. William Smith; 13th Va., Capt. F. V. Winston; 25th, 31st, and
44th Va.; 49th Va., Col. William Smith ; 52d Va., Col. M. G. Harman ;
58th Va. Trimble's BrigadCy Col. James A. Walker; 15th Ala., Capt.
I. B. Feagin ; 12th Ga., Capt. Rogers ; 21st Ga., Maj. Thomas C. Glover ;
21st N. C, Capt. Miller ; 1st N. C. Battn.* Hays's BHgade, Brig.-Gen.
Harry T. Hays ; 5th La., 6th La., Col. H. B. Strong ; 7th, 8th, and 14th
La. ArtiUery,^ Maj. A. R. Courtney ; Charlottesville (Va.) Art. (Car-
rington's battery), Chesapeake (Md.) Art. (Brown^s battery), Courtney
(Va.) Art. (Latimer's battery), Johnson's (Va.) battery. La. Guard Art.
(D*Aquin's battery), 1st Md. Batt. (Dement's battery), Staunton (Va.)
Art. (Balthis'8 battery).
Hill's Light Division, Maj. Gen. Ambrose P. Hill '.—Branch's
Brigade, Brig.-Gen. L. O'B. Branch, Col. James H. Lane; 7th N. C,
18th N. C, Lieut.-Col. Purdie ; 28th, 33d, and 37th N. C. Gregg's Bri-
gade, Brig.-Gen. Maxcy Gregg ; 1st S. C. (provisional army), Maj. E.
McCrady, Jr., Col. D. H. Hamilton ; 1st S. C. Rifles, Lieut.-Col. James
M. Perrin ; 12th S. C, Col. Dixon Barnes, Lieut.-Col. C. Jones, and
Maj. W. H. McCorkle; 13th S. C, Col. O. E. Edwards; 14th S. C,
Lieut.-Col. AV. D. Simpson. Field's Brigade, Col. Brockenbrough ; 4()th,
47th, and 5.5th Va., 22d Va. Battn. Archer's Brigade, Brig.-Gen. J. J.
Archer, Col. Peter Turney ; 5th Ala. Battn., Captain Hooper ; 19th Ga.,
Maj. J. H. Neal and Capt. F. M. Johnston ; 1st Tenn. (provisional
army), Col. Peter Turney ; 7th Tenn., Maj. S. G. Shepard and Lieut. G.
A. Howard ; 14th Tenn., Lieut.-Col. J. W. Lookert. Pender's Brigade,
Brig.-Gen. William D. Pender, Col. R. H. Brewer; 16th N. C, Lieut.-
Col. Stowe ; 22d N. C, Maj. C. C. Cole ; 34th and 38th N. C. Thomas's
Brigade, Col. Edward L. Thomas; 14th Ga., Col. R. W. Folsoni ; 35th
Ga., 4oth Ga., Maj. W. L. Grice ; 49th Ga., Lieut.-Col. S. M. Manning.
AriiUery,t Maj. R. L. Walker; Branch (N. C.) Art. (A. C. Latham's
♦ Attached to Twenty-first North Carolina Regiment.
t John R. Johnson's and D'Aquin's batteries were the only ones pres-
ent with this division at Sharpsburg.
X Braxton's, Crenshaw's, Mcintosh's, and Pegram's batteries engaged
ftt Sharptborg.
270 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
buttery), Crenshaw's (Va.) battery, Fredericksburg (Va.) Art. (Brax-
ton's Imttery), Letcher (Va.) Art. (Davidson's battery), Middlesex (Va.)
Art. (Fleet's battery), Pee Dee (8. C.) Art. (Mcintosh's battery), Purcell
(Va.) Art. (Pegrani's battery).
Jackson'8 Division, lirig.-Gen. J<»hn R. Jones, Brig. -Gen. W. E.
Starke, Col. A. J. (irigsby :— Winder' h Brigade^ Col. A. J. Grigsby,
Lieut. -Col. U. D. Gardner (4th Va.), Maj. H.J. Williams ; 2d Va.. Cap't.
Jl. T. Ci»lston ; 4th Va., Lieut. Col. K. D. (Janlner ; r)th Va., Maj. H. J.
Williams; 27th Va.. Capt. F. C. Wilnm ; 'XM\ Va., Capt. GoUaday and
Lieut. Walton. Tidiaferro'H Brigade, Col. K. T. H. Warren, Col. J. W.
Jackson, Col. J. L. Sheffield ; 47th and 48th Ala., 10th, ZV\, and 37th
Va. Juiuh'h Brif/adr^ Col. B. T. Johnson. Brig.-Gk»n. J. R. Jones, Capt.
J. K. Penii. Capt. A. C. Page, Capt. R. W. Withers ; 21st Va., Capt. A.
C. Page; 42d Va., Capt. R. W. Withers; 48th Va.. Capt. Chandler ; 1st
Va. Battn., Lieut. C. A. Davids<m. Starke'n Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. Wil-
liam E. Starke, Col. L. A. Stafford, Col. E. Pendleton ; 1st La., Lieut.-
Col. M. Nolan ; 2d La., Col. J. M. Williams ; 9th La., 10th La., Capt. H.
D. Monier ; 15th La., Coppens's (La.) battalion. ArtiUerif, Maj. L. M.
Shumaker; Alleghany (Va.) Art. (Carijenter's battery), Bro<»ken-
brough's (Md.) battery, Danville (Va.) Art. (Wooding's battery), Ham|>-
den ^Va.) Art. (Caskie's battery), Lee (Va.) Batt. (Raines's), Rockbridge
(Va.) Art. (Poague's battery).
Hill's Division, Maj.-Gen. Daniel H. Hill i—Riplei/s Brigade, Brig.-
Gen. Roswell S. Ripley, Col. GJeorge Doles ; 4th Ga., Col. George Doles;
44th Ga., Capt. Key ; Ist N. (\, Lieut.:C(»l. H. A. Brown ; 3d N. C, Col.
William L. De Rosset. Rodes'a Brigade, Brig.-Gen. RE. Rodes; 3d
Ala., Col. C. A. Battle ; 5lh Ala., Maj. E. L. Hobson ; 6th Ala., Col. J. B.
(iordon ; 12th Ala., Col. B. B. Gayle and Lieut.-Col. 8. B. Pickens ; 26th
Ala., Col. E. A. O'Neal. Oarfand'a Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Samuel Gar-
land, Jr., Col. D. K. McRjie ; oth N. C, Col. D. K. McRae and Capt. T.
M. Garrett ; 12th N. C, Capt. S. Snow ; 13th N. C, Lieut.-Col. Thomas
Ruffln, Jr. ; 20th N. C, Col. Alfred Iverson ; 23d N. C, Col. D. H. Chris-
tie. Anderson^ H Brigade, Brig.-Gen. George B. Anderson, Col. R T.
Bennett ; 2d N. C, Col. C. C. Tew and Capt. G. M. Roberts ; 4th N. C,
Col. Bryan Grimes and Capts. W. T. Marsh and D. P. Latham ; 14th
JS. C, Col. R. T. Bennett ; 30th N. C, Col. F. M. Parker and Maj. W. W.
Sillers. Colquitfs Brigade, Col. A. H. Colquitt ; 13th Ala.. Col. B. D.
Fry ; Oth Ga.. Lieut.-Col. J. M. Newton ; 23d Ga., Col. W. P. Barclay ;
27th Ga., Col. L. B. Smith ; 28th Ga., Maj. T. Graybill and Capt. N.J.
Garrison. ArtiUerff,* Maj. Pierson ; Hardaway's (Ala.) battery, Capt.
R. A. Hardaway ; Jeff Davis (Ala.) Art., Capt. J. W. Bondurant ; Jones's
(Va.) battery, Capt. William B. Jones; King William (Va.) Art, Capt
T. H. Carter.
Reserve Artillery, Brig.-Gen. William N. Pendleton : — Brown} b
Battalion,^ Col. J. Thompson Brown ; Powhatan Art (Dance's battery),
* Cutts's and Jones's battalions also under D. H. Hill's command at
Sharpsburg,
t First Virginia Artillery.
BATTLK OF SHAUPsnruO, OR AXTIETAM. 271
Riclitnond HowKzc^rs, 2<1 Co. (WatHon 'a battery), Hichniond Howitzers,
3d Co. (Smith's battery), Salem Art. (Hiipp's battery), Williamsburg
Art. (Coke's* battery). OtUs'ti BatUiUon,* Licut.-Col. A. S. Cutts ;
Blaekshears's (Ga.) battery, Irwin (Ga.) Art. (Lane's battery), Lloyd's
(N. C.) battery, Patterson's (Ga.) battery, Ross's (Ga.) battery. Jones's
Jkttfalion^* Maj. H. P. Jones. Morris (Va.) Art. (11. C. M. Page's bat-
tery), Orange ( Va.) Art. (Peyton's battery), Turner's (V^a.) battery, Wim-
bish's (Va.) battery. AV/«o//'x Battalion, Maj. William Nelson ; Am-
herst (Va.) Art. (Kirkpatriek's buttery), Fluvanna (Va.) Art. (Aneell's
lottery), Huekstep's (Va.) battery, Johnson's (V^a.) battery, Milledge
(Ga.) Art. (Milledge's battery). Misecllaneous, Cutshaws (Va.) battery,
Dixie (Va.) Art. (Chapman's battery), Magruder (Va.) Art. (T. J. Page,
J r.'s, battery). Rice's (Va.) battery, Capt. W. H. Rice; Thomas's (Va.)
Art. (E. J. Anderson's battery).!
Cavalry, Maj.-Gen. James E. B. Stuart :— Hampton^ h Brigade, Brig.-
Gen.Wade Hampton ; 1st N. C, Col. L. S. Baker ; 2d S. C, Col. M. C. But-
ler ; 10th Va., Cobb's (Ga.) Legion, Lieut.-Col. P. M. B. Young ; Jeff Davis
Legion, Lieut. -(^>1. W. T. Martin. Lee's Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Fitzhugh
Lee; 1st Va., Lient.-C(»l. L. Tiernan Brien ; 3d V^a., Lieut.-Col. John T.
Thornton ; 4lh Va., Col. William C. Wickham ; Mb Va., Col. T. L. Ros-
ser; 9th Va. Jiohcrtson's Brigade, Brig.-Gen. B. H. Robertson, Col.
Thomas T. Munford ; 2d Va., Col.T. T. Munf(»rd and Lieut.-Col. Burks ;
6th Va. ; 7th Va., Capt. S. B. Myers ; 12th Va., Col. A. W. Harman ; 17th
Va. Battn.
Horse Artillery, Capt. John Pelham :— Chew's (Va.) battery,
Hart's (S. C.) battery, Pelham's (Va.) battery.
Army of the Potomac,J Major-General George B. McClellan,
U. S. Army.
General Head-quarters i— Escort, Capt. James B. Mclntyre ; In-
dependent Company Oneida (N. Y.) Cav., Capt. Daniel P. Mann ; 4th
U. 8. Cav., Co. A, Lieut. Thomas H. McCormick ; 4th U. 8. Cav., Co. E,
Capt. James B. Mclntyre. Begufar Engineer Battalion, Capt. James
C. Duane. Provost Guard, Maj. William H. Wood. 2<1 U. 8. Cav.,
Cos. E, F, H, and K, Capt. George A. Gordon ; 8th U. 8. Inf., Cos. A,
D, F, and G, Capt. Royal T. Frank ; 19th U. 8. Inf., Co. G, Capt. Ed-
mund L. 8mith ; 19th U. 8. Inf., Co. H, Capt. Henry 8. Welton. Jfead-
quarters Guard, Maj. Granville O. Haller ; 93d N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Ben-
jamin C. Butler. Quartermaster^ s Guard, 1st U. 8. Cav., Cos. B, C, H,
and I, Capt. Marcus A. Rc*no.
♦ With D. H. Hill's division at Sharpsburg.
t Left at Leesburg.
X Compiled from the records of the Adjutant-General's Office. On
September 14 the right wing of the army, consisting of the First and
Ninth Corps, was commanded by Major-General Burnside ; the centre,
composed of the Second and Twelfth Corps, by Major-General Sumner,
and the left wing, comprising the Sixth Corps and Couch's division
(Fourth Corps), by Major-General Franklin.
272 FROM MAXAS8AS TO APPOMATTOX.
First Army Corps,* (1) Ma.tor-Gexeral Joseph Hooker,! (2) Brio-
adier-Genkral George G. Meade. Escori^ 2d N. Y. Cav., Cos. A,
B, I, and K, Capt. John E. Nay lor.
First Division, (1) Brig.-Gen. Rufus King,t (2) Brig.Gen. John P.
Hatch,? (3) Brig.-Gen. Ahner Doubleday :— /V/v*/ Brigmh, Col. Walter
Pholi>j^, Jr. ; 22d N. Y., Lieut.-Col. John MeKie, Jr. ; 24ih N. Y., Capt.
John D. G'Brian ; 30th N. Y., C(»l. William M. Searing ; 84th N. Y. (Uth
Militia), Maj. William H. de Bovoisi* ; 2d U. S. Shari>-shooters, Col.
Henry A. V. Post. Second Brigade^ (1) Brig.-Gen. Abner Doubleday,
(2) Col. William P. Wainwright, t (3) Lieut.-Col. J. William Hofmann ;
7th Ind., Maj. Ira G. Grover ; 7Gth N. Y., Col. William P. Wainwright,
Capt. John W. Young ; 95th N. Y., Maj. Edward Pye ; 56th Pa., Lieut.-
Col. J. William Hofmann, Capt. Frederick Williams. Third Brigade,
Brig.-Gen. Marsena R Patrick ; 21st N. Y., Col. William F. Rogers ; 23d
N. Y., Col. Henry C. Hoffman ; 35th N. Y., Col. Newton B. Lord ; 80th
N. Y. (20th Militia), 'Lieut.-Col. Theodore B. Gates. Foxu-th Brigade,
Brig.-Gen. John Gibbon ; 19th Ind., Col. Solomon Meredith, Lieut.-Col.
Alois O. Bachman, Capt. William W. Dudley ; 2d Wis., Col. Lucius Fair-
child, Lieut.-Col. Thomas 8. Allen ; 6th Wis., Lieut.-Col. Edward S.
Bragg, Maj. Rufus R. Dawes; 7th Wis., Capt. John B. Callis. ArtU-
lerg, Capt. J. Albert Monroe ; N. H. Light, First Batt., Lieut. Freder-
ick M. Edgell ; 1st R I. Light, Batt. D., Capt. J. AU)ert Monroe; 1st
N. Y. Light, Batt. L, Capt. John A. Reynolds ; 4th U. S., Batt. B,
Capt. Joseph B. Campbell, Lieut. James Stewart.
Second Division, Brig.-Gen. James B. Ricketts : — First Brigade,
Brig.-Gen. Abram Duryea ; 97th N. Y., Maj. Charles Northrup ; 104th
N. Y., Maj. Lewis C. Skinner ; 105th N. Y., Col. Howard Carroll ; 107th
Pa., Capt. James Mac Thomson. Second Brigade, (1) Col. William
A. Christian, (2) Col. Peter Lyle ; 26th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Richard H.
Richardson ; 94th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Calvin Littlefield ; 88th Pa., Lieut.-
Col. George W. Gile, Capt. Henry R Myers ; 90th Pa., Col. Peter Lyle,
Lieut.-Col. William A. Leech. Third Brigade, (1) Brig.-Gen. George L.
Hartsuff,t (2) Col. Richard Coulter ; 16th Me.,|| Col. Asa W. Wildes ; 12th
Miuss., Maj. Elisha Burbank, Capt. Benjamin F. Cook ; 13th Mass., Maj.
J. Parker Gould ; 83d N. Y. (9th Militia), Lieut.-Col. William Atterbury ;
11th Pa., Col. Richard Coulter, Capt. David M. Cook. Artillery, Ist Pa.
Light, Batt. F, Capt. Ezra W. Matthews ; Pa. Light, Batt. C, Capt
James Thompson.
Third Division, (1) Brig.-Gen. George G. Meade, (2) Brig.-Gen. Tru-
man Seymour i^Firat Brigade, (!) Brig.-Gen. Truman Seymour, (2) Col.
R. Biddle Roberts ; 1st Pa. Reserves, Col. R Biddle Roberts, Capt. Wil-
liam C. Talley ; 2il Pa. Reserves, Capt. James N. Byrnes ; 5th Pa. Re-
* Designation changed from Third Corps, Army of Virginia, to First
Army Corps, by General Orders, No. 129, Adjutant-General's Office,
September 12, 1862.
t Wounded September 17. t Relieved September 14.
i Woiinded September 14.
II Joined September 9, and detached September 13 as railroad guard.
BATTLE OF STIARPSBrKd, OK AXTIKTAM. 27l\
serves, Col. Joseph W. Fisher; 6th Pa. Roserves, Col. William Sinclair;
13th Pa. Reserves (1st Riflt^s), Col. Hiiy:h W. McNeil, Capt. Dennis Mc-
Gee. Second Brigade, Col. Albert L. Magilton ; .Sd Pa. Rc^serves, Lieut.-
Col. John Clark ; 4th Pa. RtHjervea, Maj. John Nyce ; 7th Pa. Reserves*,
Col. Henry C. Bolinger, Major Chaunoey M. Lyman ; 8th Pa. Reserves,
Miij. Silas M. Bally, lltird Brif/ade, (1) Vol Tiiomas F. (lalla^her,* (2)
Lieut.-Col. Robert Anderson ; 9th Pa. lU'serves, I/ieut.-( -ol. Roliert An-
derson, Capt. Samuel B. Dick ; 10th Pa. Reserves, Lieut.-Col. Adonirani
J. Warner, Capt. Jonathan P. Smith; 11th Pa. Reserves, Lieut.-Col.
Samuel M.Jackson; 12th Piu Reserves, Capt. Richard (Uislin. Arfif-
l^ry, 1st Pa. Light, Batt. A, Lieut. Jolin C;. Simpson ; 1st Pa. Lljrlit,
Batt. B, Capt. James H. Cooi>er; 1st Pa. Li^iit, lialt. (M Lieut. Frank
P. Amsden ; 5th U. S., Batt. C?, Capt. Dunbar R. Ransom.
Skcoxd Army Cori'S, Major-Gbxkual Edwin V. Sumnkr. Enrort,
6th X. Y. Cav., Co. D, Capt. Henry W. Lyon ; Gth N. Y. Cav., C\>. K,
Capt. Riley Johnson.
First Division, (1) Maj.-Gen. Israel B. Richardson,! (2) Hrl>r.-(l»'n.
John C. Caldwell, (3) Brig.-Gen. Wlntield S. llancocl; ; Firnt lirh/ufh',
Brig.-Gen. John C. Caldwell ; 5th N. H., Col. KdwanI K. Cross ; 7tli N.
Y., Capt. Charles Brestel ; 61st and 04tli N. Y., (^)l. Francis V, Harlow,
Lleut.-Col. Nelson A. Miles; 81st Pa., Maj. 11. Hoytl McKeen. S*cnml
Brigade^ (1) Brig.-Gen. Thomas F. Meagher, (2) Col. John Burke ; 21Uh
Mass., Lieut.-Col, Joseph H. Barnes ; iVMX N. Y., Col. John Burke, Lieut.-
Col. Henry Fowler, Maj. Richard C. Bentley, Capt. Joseph O'Neill ; (iJMh
N, Y., Lieut.-C'Ol. James Kelly, Maj. Janu*s Cavanaj^h ; KSth N. Y., Licut.-
Col. Patrick Kelly. Third Brigadr, Cnl Jolni U. Brooke ; 2d Del., Capt.
David L. Strieker; 52d N. Y, Col. Paul Frank ; oTlh N. Y., Lleul.-Col.
Philip J. Parisen, Maj. Altord B. Chapman ; OOth N. Y., Capt. Julius
>Vehle, Lieut.-Col. James H. Bull; o.Jd Pa., Lieut.-Col. Kichanis McMi-
ehael. Artil/crt/, 1st N. Y. Light, Batt. B, Capt. Hufus I). IVttit ; llh
U. S., Batts. A and C, Ijieut. Evan Thomas.
Second Division, (1) Maj.-(}en. John Sedgwi<'k,t (2) Brig. -(Jen.
Oliver O. Howard i—First Brigadr., Brig.-Gen. Willis A. (Jornum ; ir)th
Mass., Lieut.-Col. John W. Kiinhall ; 1st Minn., Vol Alfre<l Sully ; ;Uth
N. Y., Col. James A. Suiter ; 82d N. Y. (2*1 Militia), ViA. Henry W. Hu«I-
8<m ; Ma.^s. Sharp-shcxiters, 1st Co., (?apt. John Saunders ; Minn. Sharp-
shw)ters, 2il Co., Capt. William F. Russell. Srmnd lirif/odr, (1) Bri^^-
Gen. Oliver (). Howard, (2) Col. Joshua T. Owen, (li) Vol De Witt C.
liaxter; «9th Pa., Col. Joshua T. Owen ; 71st Pa., (Vd. Isjuic J. Wistar,
Lieut. Richard P. Smith (adjutant), (^apt. Enoch F. licwis ; 72d Pa., (^)l.
De Witt C. Baxter; IWUh Pa., Vol Turner G. Morehea<l. T/iird Bri-
f/ade, (1) Brig-.Gen. Napoleon J. T. Dana,t (2) (\)1. Norman J. Hall ; l»th
Mass., Col. Edward W. Hinks, Lieut.-Col. Arthur F. Devereux ; 2t)th
Mass., Col. William R. Lee ; 7th Mich., (^)l. Norman J. Hall, Capt.
♦ Wounded Septemlx»r 14.
t Detached at Washington, D. C, since September 0.
J Wounded September 17.
18
274 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
CharleH J. Hunt ; 42<1 N. Y., Lieiit.-C«»l. Greorge N. Bomford, Maj. James
K. Mallon ; 59th N. Y., Col. William L. Tidball. ArtUlery, Ui R I.
Light, Batt. A, Capt. John A. Tompkins; 1st U. 8., Bait. I, Lieut,
(loorgt? A. Wood ruff'.
Third Division, Brig.-Gen. William H. French '.—First Brigade^
Brig.-Gen. Nathan Kimball ; 14th Ind., Col. William Harrow ; 8th Ohio,
Lieiit.-C?ol. Franklin Sawyer; 132d Pa., C«>1. Rieliard A. Oakford, Lleut.-
Col. Vincent M. Wilcox ; 7th W. Va., Col. Joseph Snider. Second Brt-
f/adCy Col. Dwight Morris; 14th Conn., Lieut.-Col. Banford H. Perkins;
108th N. Y., Col. Oliver H. Palmer ; 130th Pa., Col. Henry L Ziun. Third
Brigade, (1) Brig.-Oen. Max Weber,* (2) Col. John W. Andrews ; 1st Del.,
Col. John W. Andrews, Lieut.-(N>1. Oliver H. Hopkinson ; 5th Md., MaJ.
Leopohl Blumenberg, Capt. E. F. M. Faehtz ; 4tli N. Y., Lieut.-Col. John
D. McGregor. UinUUwhed Artilterij, 1st N. Y. Light, Batt. G, Capt.
John D. Frank ; 1st R. I. Light, Batt. B, Capt. John G. Hazard ; Ist
H. I. Light, Batt. G, Capt. Charles D. Owen.
Fourth Army Corps.
FiiiST DivisioN,t Maj.-Gen. Darius N. Couch i—Firnt Brigade^ Brig.-
(iten. Charles Devens, Jr. ; 7th Mass., Col. David A. Russell ; 10th Mass.,
Col. Henry L. Eustis ; 36th N. Y., Col. William H. Browne; 2d R. L,
Col. Frank Wheaton. Second Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Albion P. Howe ; 02d
N. Y., Col. David J. Nevin ; 93d Pa., Col. James M. McCarter ; 98th Pa.,
C«)l. John F. Ballier ; 102d Pa., Col. Thomas A. Rowley ; 139th Pa., J Col.
Frank H. Collier. Tftird Brigade, Brig.-Gen. John Cochrane; 65th
N. Y., Col. Alexander Shaler ; 67th N. Y., Col. Julius W. Adams ; 122d
N. Y., Col. Silas Titus; 23d Pa., Col. Thomas H. Neill; 61st Pa., Col.
George C. Spear ; 82d Pa., Col. David H. Williams. Artillery, N. Y.
Light, 3d Batt.,« Capt. William Stuart ; 1st Pa. Light, Batt. C, Capt.
Jeremiah McC::arthy ; 1st Pa. Light, Batt. D, Capt. Michael Hall , 2d
r. S., Batt. G, Lieut. John H. Butler.
Fifth Army Corps, Major-General Fitz-John Porter. Escort,
1st Maine (-avalry (detachment), Capt. George J. Summat.
First Division, Maj.-(^en. (ieorge W. Morell \— First Brigade, Col.
James Barnes ; 2d Me., Col. Charles W. Rol)erts ; 18th Mass., Lieut.-Col.
.Joseph Hayes; 22d Mass., Lieut.-Col. William S. Tilton ; 1st Mich., Capt.
Emory W. Bel ton ; 13th N. Y., Col. Elisha G. Marshall ; 25th N. Y., Col.
Charles A. Johnson ; 118th Pa., Col. Charles M. Prevost ; Mass. Sharp-
sh<M»(iTs, 2d Co., Cai)t. Lewis E. Went worth. Second Brigade, Brlg.-
CJen. Charles Griffln : 2d D. of C, Col. Charles M. Alexander ; 9th Mass.,
Col. Patrick R. (iuiney ; 32d Mass., Col. Francis J. Parker; 4th Mich.,
Col. Jonathan W. Childs; 14th N. Y., Col. James McQuade; 62d Pa.,
Col. Jacob B. Sweitzer. Third Brigade, Col. T. B. W. Stockton ; 20th
\
* Wounded St»pteinl>er 17.
t Assigned to the Sixth Corps as the Third Division, September 26,
1S62.
\ Joined September 17. { Joined September 15.
BATTLE OF SIIARPSBUrvO, OR ANTIETAM. 275
Me., Col. Adclbert Ames ; 16th Mich., Lieut.-Col. Norval E. Weleli ; 12tli
N. Y., Capt. William Huson ; 17th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Nelson B. Bartram ;
44th N. Y., Maj. Freeman Conner ; 83d Pa., Capt. Orplieus S. Woodward ;
Mich. Sliarp-sl looters, Brady *s eo., Lieut. Joniw II. Titus, Jr. Artillery,
Mass. Light, Batt. C, Capt. Augustus P. Martin ; 1st R. I. Light, Batt.
C, Capt. Richard Waterman ; otli U. S., Batt. D, Lieut. Cliarles E. Haz-
lett. Sharp-shoot era^ 1st U. 8., Capt. John B. Isler.
Second Division, Brig.-Gen. George Syl^es i^Firsf Briffade, Lieut.-
Col. Robert C. Buchanan ; 3d U. S., Capt. John D. Wiiltins ; 4th U. S.,
Capt. Hiram Dryer ; 12th U. S., 1st Battn., Capt. Matthew M. Blunt;
12tli U. 8., 2d Battn., Capt. Tliomas M. Anderson ; 14tli U. S., 1st Battn.,
Capt. W.Harvey Brown ; 14th U. S., 2d Battn., Capt. David B. McKib-
bin. Second Brigade, Maj. Cliarles S. Lovell ; 1st and Gth U. S., Capt.
I^vi C. Bootes ; 2d and 10th U. 8., Capt. John S. Poland; Uth U. S.,
Capt. DeL. Floyd-Jones ; 17th U. 8., Maj. George L. Andrews. Third
Brigadr, Col. Gouverneur K. Warren ; f5th N. Y., Capt. Cleveland Wins-
low ; 19th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. John W. Marshall. Artillcrt/, 1st U. S.,
Batts. E and G, Lieut. Alanson M. Randol ; 5th U. S., Batt. I, Capt.
Stephen H. Weed ; 5th U. 8., Batt.K, Lieut. William E. Van Reed.
Third Division,* Brig.-G^en. Andrew A. Humphreys :—i^ir«^ Bri-
gade, Brig.-Gen. Erastus B. Tyler ; 91st Pa., Col. Edgar M. Gregory ;
126th Pa., Col. James G. Elder ; 129th Pa., Col. Jacob G. Frick ; 134th
Pa., Col. Matthew 8. Quay. Second Brigade, Col. Peter H. Allabach ;
123d Pa,, Col. John B. Clark ; 131st Pa., Liout.-Col. William B. 8haut ;
133d Pa., Col. Franklin B. 8i>eakman ; l>jtli Pa., Col. Edward J. Allen.
ArtUlerg, C'apt. Lucius N. Robinson ; 1st N. Y. Light, Batt. C, Capt. Al-
mont Barnes; Ist Ohio Light, Batt. L, Capt. Lucius N. Robinson. Ar-
tUlerg Reserve, Lieut.-Col. William Hays ; 1st Battn. N. Y. Light, Batt.
A, Lieut. Bernhard Wever ; 1st Battn. N. Y. Light, Batt. B, Lieut. Al-
fred von Kleiser ; 1st Battn. N. Y. Light, Batt. C, Capt. Robert Lang-
ner ; 1st Battn. N. Y. Light, Batt. D, Capt. Charles Kusserow ; N. Y.
Light, 5th Batt, Capt. Elijah D. Taft ; 1st U. 8., Batt. K, Capt. William
M. Graham ; 4th U. 8., Batt. G, Lieut. Marcus P. Miller.
Sixth Army Corps, Major-General William B. Franklin.
Encfyrt, 6tli Pa. Cav., Cos. B and G, Capt. Henry P. Mulrheid.
First Division, Maj.-Gen. Hawry y^.HV^cwm.— First Brigade, Col.
Alfred T. A. Torbert ; 1st N. J., Lieut.-Col. Mark W. Collet ; 2d N. J.,
Col. 8amuel L. Buck ; 3d N. J., Col. Henry W. Brown ; 4th N. J., Col.
William B. Hatch. Second Brigade, Col. Joseph J. Bartlett ; 5th Me.,
Col. Nathaniel J. Jackson ; 16th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Joel J. 8eaver ; 27th
N. Y., Lieut-Col. Alexander D. Adams; 96th Pa,, Col. Henry L. Cake.
Third Brigade, Brig.-Gen. John Newton ; 18th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. George
R. Myers ; 3l8t N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Francis E. Pinto ; 32d N. Y., Col. Rod-
erick Matheson ; Maj. G^eorge F. Lemon ; 95th Pa., Col. Gustavus W.
Town. Artillery, Capt. Emory Upton ; Md. Light, Batt. A, Capt. John
* This division was organized September 12, and reached the battle-
field of Antletam September 18.
276 rr.0M maxassas to appomattox.
W. Wolcott ; Mass. Light, Batt. A, Capt Josiah Porter ; N. J. Light,
Bait A, Capt. William Hoxamcr ; 2d U. 8., Batt. D, Lieut Edward
B. Williston.
Second Division, Maj.-Gen. William F. Smith :—F/r.s7 Brujade, (1)
Brig.-Gen.Wintield S. Hancock,* (2) Col. Amasa Cobb; 6th Mc, Col.
Hiram Burnham ; 43d X. Y., Maj. John Wilson ; 49th Pa., Lieut.-Col.
William Brisbane; 137th Pa., Col. Henry M. Bossert ; 5th Wis., Col.
Amasa Cobb. Second Brigade, Brig.-Gen. W. T. H. Brooks ; 2d Vt,
Maj. James H. Wal bridge ; 3d Vt., Col. Breed N. Hyde ; 4th Vt., Lieut-
Col. Charles B. Stoughton ; 5th Vt., Col. Lewis A. Grant ; 6th Vt., Maj.
Oscar L. Tuttle. Third Brigade, Col. William H. Irwin ; 7th Me., Maj.
Thomas W. Hyde ; 20th N. Y,, Col. Ernest von Vegesack ; 33d N. Y.,
Lieut-Col. Joseph W. Corning ; 49th N. Y., Lieut-Col. William C. Al-
berger, Maj. George W. Johnson ; 77th N. Y., Capt. Nathan S. Babcock.
Artillery, Capt Romeyn B. Ayres ; Md. Light, Batt B, Lieut, Theodore
J. Vanneman ; N. Y. Light, 1st Batt, Capt Andrew Cowan ; 5th U. S.,
Batt F, Lieut Leonard Martin.
Ninth. Army Corps, Major-General Ambrose E. Burnside,!
Major-General Jesse L. RENO,t Brigadier-General Jacob D.
Cox. Escort, 1st Me. Cav., Co. G, Capt Zebulon B. Blethen.
First Division, Brig.-Gen. Orlando B. Willcox '.—First Brigade, CoL
Benjamin C. Christ ; 28th Mass., Capt Andrew P. Carraher ; 17th Mich.,
CoL William H. Withington ; 79th N. Y., Lieut-Col. David Morrison ;
60th Pa., Maj. Edward Overton, Capt William H. Diehl. Second Bri-
gade, Col. Thomas Welsh ; 8th Mich., Lieut.-Col. Frank Graves, Maj.
Ralph Ely; 46th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Joseph Gerhart; 45th Pa., Lieut.-
Col. John I. Curtin ; 100th Pa., Col. David A. Leckey. Artillery, Mass,
Light, 8th Batt, Capt Asa M. Cook ; 2d U. S., Batt E, Lieut Samuel
N. Benjamin.
Second Division, Brig.-Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis :— /Yr«< Brigade^
Brig.-Gen. James Naglee ; 2d Md., Lieut-Col. J. Eugene Duryea ; 6th
N. H., Col. Simon G. Griffin ; 9th N. H., Col. Enoch Q. Fellows ; 48th
Pa., Lieut.-Col. Joshua K. Sigfried. Second Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Edward
Ferrero ; 21st Mass., Col. William S. Clark ; 35th Mass., CoL Edward A.
Wild, Lieut-Col. Sumner Carruth ; 51st N. Y., Col. Robert B. Potter;
61st Pa., Col. John F. Hartranft Artillery, Pa. Light, Batt. D, Capt
John W. Durell ; 4th U. S., Batt E, Capt Josepii C. Clark, Jr.
Third Division, Brig.-Gen. Isaac P. Rodman : i— First Brigade, Col.
Harrison a Fairchild ; 9th N. Y., Lieut-Col. Edgar A. Kimball ; 89th
N. Y., Maj. Edward Jardlne ; 103d N. Y., Maj. Benjamin Ringold. Sec-
ond Brigade, Col. Edward Harland ; 8th Conn., Lieut-Col. Hiram Ap-
* Assigned to First Division, Second Army Corps, September 17.
t On the 16th and 17th, Major General Burnside exercised general
command on the left, and Brigadier-General Cox was in immediate
command of the corps.
t Killed September 14.
{ Wounded September 17.
BATTLE OF SHAllPSBUKG, OR AXTIETAM. 277
pelnian, Maj. John E.Ward; lltli Conn., Col. Henry W. Kingsbury;
16th Conn., Col. Francis Beach ; 4tli K. I., Col. Willikni H. P. Steere,
Lieut.-Col. Joseph B. Curtis. Arfillcrt/^ 5th U. S., Bud. A, Lieut. Cliarles
P. Muhlenberg.
Kanawha Division, (1) Brig.-Gen. Jacob D. C<>x, (i2) Col. Eliakim l\
S<!aninion. Firtft Brigade^ (1) Col. Eliakim P. JScamnion, (li) Col. Hugh
Ewing ; 12th Ohio, Col. Carr B. White ; 23d Ohio, Lieut.-Col. Rutherford
B. Hayes, Maj. James M. Comly ; 30th Ohio, CJol. Hugh Ewing, Lieut.-
Col. Theodore Jones, Maj. George H. Hildt ; Ohio Light Art., 1st Batt.,
Capt. James R McMuUin ; Gilmore^s co. W. Va. Cav., Lieut. James
Abraham; Harrison*s co. W. Va. Cav., Lieut. Dennis Delaney. Sec-
ond Brigade^ Col. George Crook ; llth Ohio, Lieut.-Col. Augustus H.
Coleman, Maj. Lyman J. Jackson ; 28th Ohio, Lieut.-Col. Gottfried
Becker; 36th Ohio, Lieut.-Col. Melvin Clarke ; 8chambeck's co. Chicago
Dragoons, Capt. Frederick Schambeck ; Ky. Light Art., Simmonds's
battery, Capt. Seth J. Simmonds. Unattached^ 6th N. Y. ('av. (8 cos.).
Col. Thomas C. Devin ; Ohio Cav., 8d Ind. Co., liieut. Jonas Seamen ;
3d U. S. Art., Batts. L and M, Capt. John Edwards, Jr.
Twelfth Akmy Corps,* (1) Majok-Genekal Joseph K. F. Mans-
FiELD,t (2) Brigadier-General Alpheus 8. Williams. Escort,
Ist Mich. Cav., Co. L, Capt. Melvin Brewer.
First Division, (1) Brig.-Gen. Alpheus S. Williams, (2) Brig.-Gen.
Samuel W. Crawford, J (3) Brig.-Gen. George H. Gordon. First Brigade,
(1) Brig.-Gen. Samuel W. Crawford, (2) Col. Joseph F. Knipe ; 5th Conn.,
Capt. Henry W. Daboll ; 10th Me., i\A. George lu Beal ; 28th N.Y., Capt.
William H. H. Mapes; 46th Pa., Col. Joseph F. Knipe, Lieut.-Col. James
L. Selfridge ; 124th Pa., Col. Joseph W. Hawley, Maj. Isaac L. Halde-
man ; 125th Pa., Col. Jacob Higgins ; 128th Pa., Col. Samuel Croasdale,
Lieut.-Col. William W. Hamersly, Maj. Joel B. Wanner. Tfiird Bri-
gade, (1) Brig.-Gen. George H. Gordon, (2) Col. Thomas H. Ruger ; 27th
Ind., Col. Silas Colgrove ; 2d Mass., Col. George L. Andrews ; 13th N. J.,
Col. Ezra A. Carman ; 107th N. Y., Col. R. B. Van Valkenburgh ; Zouaves
d»Afrique,? Pa. ; 3d Wis., Col. Thomius H. Ruger.
Secx)ND Division, Brig.-Gen. George S. Ori'L^ue:— First Brigade, (1)
Lieut.-Col. Hector Tyndale,t (2) Maj. Orriu J. Crane; 5th Ohio, Maj.
John Collins; 7th Ohio, Maj. Orrin J.Crane, Capt. Frederick A. Sey-
mour; 29th Ohio,|| Lieut. Theron S. Winship; 66th Ohio, Lieut.-Col.
Eugene Powell ; 28th Pa., Maj. Ario Pardee, Jr. Second Brigade, Col.
Henry J. Stainrook ; 3d Md., Lieut.-Col. Joseph M. Sudsburg ; 102d N.Y.,
* Designation changed from Simeon d Corps, Army of Virginia, to
Twelfth Army Corps, by General Orders, No. 129, Adjutaut-General's
Office, September 12, 1862.
t Mortally wounded September 17.
t Wounded September 17.
{ No officers present ; enlisted men of company attached to Second
MasHach uset ts.
U Detached September 9.
278 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Lieut-Col. James C. Lane ; 109th Pa.,* Capt. George E. Seymour ; 111th
Pa., Maj. Thomas M. Walker. Third Brigade, (1) CJol. William B. Gk)oii-
rich,t (2) Lieut.-Col. Jonathan Austin ; 3d Del., Maj. Arthur Maginnis ;
Purnell Legion, Md., Lieut.-Col. Benjamin L. Simpson ; 60th N. Y.,
Lieut-Col. Cliarles R. Brundage ; 78th N. Y., Lieut-Col. Jonathan Aus-
tin, Capt Henry R. Stagg. AriUlery, Capt. Clermont L. Best ; Me. Light,
4th Batt, Capt O'Neil W. Robinson ; Me. Light, 6th Batt, Capt. Free-
man McGilvery ; 1st N. Y. Light, Batt M., Capt. George W. Cothran ;
N. Y. Light, 10th Batt, Capt John T. Bruen ; Pa. Light, Batt. E, Capt.
Joseph M. Knap ; Pa. Light, Batt F, Capt Robert B. Hampton ; 4th U.
S., Batt. F, Lieut. Edward D. Muhlenberg.
Cavalry Division, Brig.-Gen. Alfred Pleasonton :— First Brigade,
Maj. Cliarles J. Whiting ; 5th U. S., Capt Joseph H. McArthur ; 6tli U.
S., Capt. William P. Sanders. Second Brigade j Col. John F. Farns-
worth ; 8th 111., Maj. William H. Medill ; 3d Ind., Maj. George H. Chap-
man ; 1st Mass., Capt Casper Crowninshield ; 8th Pa., Capt. Peter Kee-
nan. Third Brigade, Col. Richard H. Rush ; 4th Pa., Col. James H.
ChildH, Lieut.-Col. James K. Kerr ; 6th Pa., Lieut.-Col. C. Ross Smith.
Fourth Brigade, Col. Andrew T. McReynolds ; 1st N. Y., Maj. Alonzo
W. Adams ; 12th Pa., Major James A. Congdon. Fifth Brigade, Col.
Benj. F. Davis ; 8th N. Y., Col. Benjamin F. Davis ; 3d Pa., Lieut.-Col.
Samuel W. Owen. Artilferg, 2d U. S., Batt A, Capt John C. Tidball ;
2d U. S., Batts. B and L, Capt James M. Robertson ; 2d U. S., Batt. M,
Lieut Peter C. Hains ; 3d U. S., Batts. C and G, Capt. Horatio G. Gib-
son. Unattached, Int Me. Cav.,t Col. Samuel H. Allen ; 16th Pa. Cav.
(detachment). Col. William J. Palmer.
♦ Detached September 13.
t Killed September 17.
% Detached at Frederick, Md.
CHAPTER XX.
REVIEW OF THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN.
Confederate Expectations— General Lee*8 Salutatory to the People of
Maryland— The ** Lost Despatch*'— McClellan*a Movements— Turn
in the Tide of War— A Miracle great as the throwing down of the
Walls of Jericho — In Contempt of the Enemy the Confederate Army
waa dispersed — Harper's Ferry a *' Man-Trap"— It diverted the Army
from tlie Main Issue — Lee and McClellan compared and contrasted—
Tribute to the Confederate Private Soldier.
For conveying to tlie reader a compreliensive view of
tlie military zodiac at the time we crossed the quiet
Potomac, the otli day of September, 1862, and an under-
standing of the logical sequence of the events following,
something should be added here to the plain narrative of
occurrences, and so I undertake a review of the Maryland
campaign.
The Army of Northern Virginia was afield without a
foe. Its once grand adversary, discomfited under two
commanders, had crept into cover of the bulwarks about
the national capital. The commercial, social, and blood
ties of Maryland inclined her people to the Southern
cause. A little way north of the Potomac were inviting
fields of food and supplies more plentiful than on the
southern side ; and the fields for march and manoeuvre,
strategy and tactics, were even more inviting than the
broad fields of grain and comfortable pasture-lands.
Propitious also was the prospect of swelling our ranks by
Maryland recruits.
At the head of the army of sixty thousand men en-
couraged, matured, and disciplined by victory stood the
Confederate chief, challenging on its own soil the army
that had marched to conquer the Southern capital. On
the 7th he pitched his bivouac about Frederick City. On
279
280 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
tlie 8th he made his salutatory to the people in these
words :
" Head-quaeters Army of Northern Virginia,
''Near Fredericktown, Md., September 8, 1862.
''To THE People of Maryland:
"It is right that you should know the purpose that brought
the army under my command within the limits of your State, so
fer as that purpose concerns yourselves. The people of the Con-
federate States have long watched with the deepest sympathy the
wrongs and outrages that have been inflicted upon the citizens of
a commonwealth allied to the States of the South by the strongest
social, political, and commercial ties. They have seen with pro-
found indignation their sister State deprived of every right and
reduced to the condition of a conquered province. Under the
pretence of supporting the Constitution, but in violation of its
most valuable provisions, your citizens have been arrested and
imprisoned upon no charge and contrary to all forms of law. The
faithful and manly protest against this outrage made by the ven-
erable and illustrious Marylander, to whom in better days no
citizen appealed for right in vain, was treated with scorn and
contempt ; the government of your chief city has been usurped
by armed strangera ; your legislature has been dissolved by the
unlawful arrest of its members ; freedom of the pi'ess and of
speech has been suppressed ; words have been declared offences
by an arbitrary decree of the Federal Executive, and citizens
ordered to be tried by a military commission for what they may
dare to speak. Believing that the people of Maryland possessed
a spirit too lofty to submit to such a government, the people of
the South have long wished to aid you in throwing oflF this foreign
yoke, to enable you again to enjoy the inalienable rights of free-
men, and to restore independence and sovereignty to your State.
In obedience to this wish, our army has come among you, and is
prepared to assist you with the power of its arms in regaining
the rights of which you have been despoiled.
"This, citizens of Maryland, is our mission, so far as you are
concerned. No constraint upon your free will is intended ; no
intimidation will be allowed within the limits of this army, at
least. Marylanders shall once more enjoy .their ancient freedom
of thought and speech. We know no enemies among you, and
will protect all, of every opinion. It is for you to decide your
destiny freely and without constraint. This army will respect
REVIEW OF THE MARYLAND (\\MrAIGX. 281
your choice, whatever it may be ; and while the Southern
people will rejoice to welcome you to your natural position
among them, they will only welcome you when you come of your
own free will.
*-K. K. Lek,
* * General, Com manding, ' *
At tliis very time the recently disj)hice(l connnaniler,
General McClellan, reinstated in conimantl, Avas march-
ing for an opportunity to recover his good name, and
the Union cavalry was active and aggressive in work
against the Confederates at Poolesville.
On the 9th the Confederate commander organized his
plans for the surrounding and capture of Harper's Ferry,
and put his army in motion on the lOth. Close upon the
heels of the march followed the Army of the Potomac,
only tw^enty-five miles behind the rear of the Confederate
army, with the cavalry of the armies in contact. The
march of the former wjis as cautious as that of the latter
was venturesome. On the 10th the Union commander was
informed of the march of J. G. Walker's brigades up the
river from Cheek's Ford. On the 11th his signal service
reported the camp across the river at Point of Rocks. On
the 12th, at Urbana, he was informed of the combination
against Harper's Ferry, and the march towards the Cum-
berland Valley, and ordered pressing pursuit to force the
Confederates to a stand. Under that order General Pleas-
onton, the Federal cavalry leader, hurried his troops and
cleared the w^ay to South Mountain on the 13th. From
day to day the Confederates marched their diverging
columns, from day to day the Union columns converged
in easy, cautious marches. At noon of the 13th, General
Lee's order distributing his forces and a despatch from
the Governor of Pennsylvania were handed General Mc-
Clellan,— the former the celebrated "lost despatch,"
given on a previous page, — the latter reading as fol-
lows:
282 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
*' Harrisburg, Pa., September 13, 1862.
^'Major-Gexeral George B. McClellax :
*^Wheu may we expect General Reynolds here? Services
needed immediately. Lon<i:street's division is said to have reached
Ha^erstown last night. Jackson crossed tlie Potomac at Wil-
liamsport to capture Martinsburg and Harper's Ferry. We 5U*e
assembling militia rapidly at Chambersburg. Can we do anything
to aid your movements ! . . » y^, ^
^ *'A. G. CURTIX,
*' Governor of Pennsylmmia,^^
This told of the change of march of my brigades from
Turner's Pass to Hagerstown, and, with the ''lost de-
spatch/' revealed that Hill's five brigades were the only
troops at the former place.
The same afternoon General AlcClellan's signal service
despatched him that the Union signal station on Maryhmd
Heights had gone down. General Lee's signals failed to
connect, so that General McClellan was better informed of
the progress of the Confederate movements than was the
Confederate connnander. That afternoon the Union army
w^as in hand for battle. The Confederates were dispersed
and divided by rivers, and drifting thirty and forty and
fifty miles apart. Under similar circumstances General
Scott, or General Taylor, or General Worth would have
put the columns at the base of South Mountain before
night, and Avould have passed the unguarded gaps before
the sun's rays of next morning could have lighted their
western slopes.
The Union commander claims to have ordered more
vigorous pursuit after the "lost despatch" was handed
him, but there is nothing to support the claim except his
call on General Franklin, and in that he only ordered
preparation at Crampton's to await events at Turner's
Pass.
General Pleasonton was at Turner's Pass on the after-
noon of the 13th, and made a reconnoissance of the w^ays
leading up the east side of the mountain. He was not
REVIEW OF THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 283
informed of the despatches received by his chief, nor
had he any information of Confederate movements ex-
cept such as he had gleaned in closely following their
rear. At daylight of the 14th he led General Cox and
the Ninth Corps to attack, and in this manner the battle
was opened.
His orders to call the Confederates to a stand did not
anticipate the opening of a general engagement, Init a wait
for his chief, who rode up about one o'clock. The latter
thought that he was battling against seventeen brigades,
while there were but five ; and, had the battle been held
in w^ait for McClellan, his well-known habit of careful
reconnoissance would have consumed the balance of the
dav. His last orders for General Franklin directed a wait
for Couch's division, which joined him at eight o'clock in
the evening. It is difficult to find that a quicker move
was given the Union army in consequence of the " lost
despatch ;" but one may rather concede General Hill's
claim, that in consequence of that despatch the Union
army was so delayed as to give the Confederates time
to make their way back to the soil of **01d Vir-
ginia." Without it, the main column of the Union
forces could have marched through Crampton's Pass,
and relieved Harper's Ferry on the 14th, but, guided
by it, their commander found it important to first guard
against the seventeen brigades that should be at Turner's
Pass, on the right rear of a column, moving against
Crampton's.
The razing of the walls of Jericho by encircling marches
of priests and soldiers, at the signal of long-drawn blasts
of sacred horns and shouts of the multitude, was scarcely
a greater miracle than the transformation of the con-
quering army of the South into a horde of disordered
fugitives before an army that two weeks earlier was flying
to cover under ite homeward ramparts.
Providence helps those who can avail themselves of
284 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
His tender care, but permits those wlio will to turn from
Him to their own arrogance. That His gracious hand was
with the Confederates in their struggles on the Chicka-
hominy, and even through the errors of the Bull Run
campaign, cannot be questioned. When, however, in
self-confidence, they lost sight of His helping hand, and
in contempt of the enemy dispersed the army, they
were given up to the reward of vainglory. That the
disaster was not overwhelming they have to thank the
plodding methods of the Union commander. With as
much faith as Captain Joshua, his success would have
been as complete.
But for the proper solution of the campaign we must
turn again to the condition of the Confederate army when
it crossed into Maryland. It was then all that its leaders
could ask, and its claim as master of the field was estab-
lished, but it was worn by severe marches and battles,
and in need of rest. Its record before and after shows
that, held in hand and refreshed by easy marchings and
comfortable supplies, it would have been prepared to main-
tain its supremacy. The first necessity was a little tune to
refresh, while the grand object was to draw the enemy
from his intrenched lines to free and open battle. These
facts carefully observed, the Confederate army would have
been assured of its claim and prestige.
In the confusion about Washington incident to the
Bull Run campaign. General McClellan was ordered to
receive the retreating columns and post them to defend
and hold their fortified lines. He had not emerged from
the clouds that hung about his untoward campaign in
Virginia, but, familiar with the provisions that had been
made for defence, he was most available for the service.
He had hardly posted the troops and arranged the gar-
rison when he found that the Confederates, instead of
moving against his fortifications, had turned the head of
their columns north, and were marching to invade Union
REVIEW OF TIIK MARYLAND CAM PA ION. 285
territory. He was quick to discover that it was his oppor-
tunity, and, after hastily posting guards for the works
about the capital, assumed command of the army and
took the field, lest another commander slioukl be assigned.
His clouded fame and assumption of autliority committed
him to early aggressive Avork. He had notliing to lose,
and the world to gain, but oidy on the l)attle-field.
All that the Confederates luul to do was to hold the
army in hand an<l draw the enemy to a good fichl. When
made, his battle was halting and balky, though thrown
into his hands under most favorable circumstances, which
goes to show that the Confederates, if held in hand and
refreshed a little, could have made their grandest success.
It had been arranged that the Southern President
should join the troops, and from the head of his victo-
rious army call for recognition. Maryland would have
put out some of her rescmrces, and her gallant youth
would have helped SAvell the Southern ranks, — the twenty
thousand soldiers who had dropped from the Confederate
ranks during the severe marches of the summer would
have been with us. Volunteers from all j)arts of the
South would have come, swimming the Potonuic to find
their President and his field-marshal, while Union troops
would have been called from Kentucky and Tennes-
see, and would have left easy march for the Confederate
armies of the West to the Ohio River.
Even though the Confederates were not successful,
the fall elections were against the Federal adminis-
tration. With the Southern armies victorious, the re-
sults of the contest at the j)olls would have been so
pronounced as to have called for recognition of the
Confederacy.
General McClellan wrote General Halleck of the effect,
in case of defeat of his army, —
^*But if we should be so unfortunate as to meet with defeat,
our country is at their mercy."
280 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
So much has been said and written ahout Harper's
Ferry and the surrender of the garrison, that it seems
diificult to pass it without notice. In more than one
rej)ort General ilcCleUan mentioned it as a " shameful"
surrender. lie had disapproved the position as false, and
asked if it could not be given up. Colonel Miles, the com-
mander, wlio gave his life in its defence, was acting under
the following order from the department commander, —
viz. :
'* Baltimore, Septembers, 1862.
*' Colonel Miles, Harper's Ferry:
*' The position on the heiglits ought to enable you to punisli the
enemy i)assiug up the road iu the direction of Harpei^'s Ferrj\
Have your wits about you, and do all you can to annoy the reln^Is
should they advance on you. Activity, energy, and decision nuLSt
be used. You will not abandon Harper's Ferry without defend-
ing it to the last extremity.
''John E. Wool,
^' Major-GeneraV^ *
The simple truth is, it was defended to the last extrem-
ity. The nearer the approach of the succoring army, the
more imperative would liave been the demand for action
on the part of the Confederate columns, and had battle
been forced it could not possibly have resulted in any siive
one way, — Confederate victory, and an overwhelming one
at that.
The position was denounced as a " man-trap," and so it
proved to Colonel Miles and his eleven thousand troops,
but it was in fact a far more formidable trap for the Con-
federates, Avho to seize it sacrificed the fruits of heavy
war, — victory in the main battle of the campaign, — and
were forced to draw their crippled ranks to homeward
defence. General Jackson wanted it till he got posses-
sion ; then gave it up. General McClellan w^anted to
give it up before it was taken. After it had been taken
* Rebellion Record, vol. xix. part i. p. 620.
PvEVIEW OF TlfE MAKYLAXT) CAMPATON. 28/
and given up, he reoccnpied it. It Avas left severely alone
in the Gettysburg campaign, — an admission by both sides
of its uselessness as a point cVappuL
A word in dosing about the chiefs opposed in this great
campaign. General Lee and General McClellan were
both graduates of the United States Military Academy at
West Point. The former took the second honor of the
class of 1829, the latter the second honor of the class of
1846. Their service in the United States army was as
military engineers. In 1854 they were both selected by
Secretary of War Jefferson Davis for promotion to the
new cavalry regiments as lieutenant-colonel and captain
respectively. Their early opportunities, social and educa-
tional, w^ere superior. They studiously improved them in
youth, and applied them with diligence in after-life. Aspi-
rations leading to the higher walks of social and profes-
sional life seem to have been alike controlling forces in
the character and career of each. Thev were not un-
mindful that physical development was important in sup-
port of mental improvement. In moral tone and habits
they may be called exemplars. In his service. General
Lee's pride was duty to his government and to the army
under his command. He loved admiration of the outside
world, but these duties better. General McClellan 's am-
bition was not so limited.
In stature General Lee stood five feet ten inches, was
of well-developed muscular figure, as trim as a youth, and
weighed one hundred and seventy pounds. In features he
was a model of manly beauty. His teeth were of ivory
whiteness ; his mouth handsome and expressive of frank-
ness, kindness, and generosity. His nose and chin were
full, regular, strong, and gave his face force and character.
'Twas seldom that he allowed his mind to wander to the
days of his childhood, and talk of his father and his early
associates, but when he did, he was far more charming
than he thought. As a commander he was much of the
288 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Wellington " Up-and-at-'em" style. He found it hard,
the enemy in sight, to withhold his blows. With Mc-
Clellun it was more difficult to strike than to march for
the enemv.
General McClellan was of short, stout figure, but was
of soldierly presence, graceful, and handsome-featured.
In their mounts neither of the great commanders lost
anything of his admirable presence. Both were masters
of the science but not of the art of war. Lee was suc-
cessful in Virginia ; McClellan in Maryland.
Unjust criticism has been passed upon the Confederate
soldiers in the Maryland campaign, based principally upon
the great number of absentees. To those who have spent
their lives near the ranks of soldiers and learned from
experience that there is a limit to physical endurance,
explanation is not called for ; to those who look upon the
soldier as a machine, not even needing oil to facilitate
motive power, I will say, try to put yourselves in the sol-
diers' places. Another point to be noted was, that in the
Confederate ranks there were thousands of soldiers who
had been wounded once, twice, and in some instances
three times, who in any other service would have been
on the pension-rolls at their comfortable homes.
Sickness and weakness that creep into an army from
irregular food, collected in the stress of march, were no
trifling impediments to the maintenance of our ranks in
vigorous form.
When, in mature judgment, the historian builds monu-
ments of words for the leaders of the campaign in Mary-
land, there will be flowers left for the private soldiers, and
for the private soldiers' graves.
The full significance of Sharpsburg to the Federal au-
thorities lay in the fact that they needed a victory on
which to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which
President Lincoln had prepared two months before and
had held in abeyance under advice of members of his
REVIFAV OF THE MAUYLAXD CAMPAIGN. 289
Cabinet until the Union arms should win a success.
Although this battle was by no means so complete a vic-
tory as the President wished, and he was sorely vexed
with General McClellan for not pushing it to completion,
it was made the most of as a victory, and his Emancipa-
tion Proclamation was issued on the 22d of September,
five days after the battle. This was one of the decisive
political events of the war, and at once put the great
struggle outwardly and openly upon the basis where it
had before only rested by tacit and covert understanding.
If the Southern army had been carefully held in hand,
refreshed by easy marches and comfortable supplies, the
proclamation could not have found its place in history.
On the other hand, the Southern President would have
been in Maryland at the head of his army with his mani-
festo for peace and independence.
CHAPTER XXL
REORGANIZATION AND REST FOR BOTH ARMIES.
The Confederates appoint Seven Lieutenant-Generals — ^The Array of
Northern Virginia organized in Corps — General MeClellan relieved,
and General Burnside appointed Commander of the Army of the
Potomac — A Lift for the South — McCiellan was growing-^Burnside's
** Three Grand Divisions"— The Campaign of the Rappahannoclc—
Cutting Ready for Fredericksburg — Longstreet occupies Fredericks-
burg— The Town called to surrender by General Sumner—Exodus of
the Inhabitants under a Threat to shell the Town.
Under an act not long before passed by the Confed-
erate Congress authorizing the appointment of seven
lieutenant-generals, the authorities at Richmond about
this time sent commissions to Lieutenant-Generals Long-
street, Polk, Holmes, Hardee, E. K. Smith, Jackson, and
Pemberton, and made appointments of a number of
major-generals. Under these appointments General Lee
organized the Army of Northern Virginia into corps
substantially as it subsequently fought the battle of Fred-
ericksburg.*
The Confederate army rested along the lines between
the Potomac and Winchester till late in October. On the
8th, General Stuart was ordered across to ride around the
Union army, then resting sbout Sharpsburg and Har-
per's Ferry. His ride caused some excitement among the
Union troops, and he got safely to the south side with the
loss of a few men slightly wounded, on the 12th. On the
26th, General McCiellan marched south and crossed the
Potomac east of the Blue Ridge. Jackson was assigned
the duty of guarding the passes. I marched south, cor-
responding with the march of the Army of the Potomac.
* See organization of the army appended to account of the battle of
Fredericksburg.
290
REORGANIZATION AND REST FOR BOTH ARMIES. 291
A division crossed at Ashby's Gap to Upperville to look
for the head of McClellan's army. He bore farther east-
ward and marched for Warrenton, where he halted on
the 5th of November. The division was withdrawn from
Upperville and marched .for Culpeper Court-House, ar-
riving at that point at the same time as McClellan's at
Warrenton, — W. H. F. Lee's cavalry the day before me.
Soon after the return to Culpeper Court-House, Evans's
brigade was relieved of duty with the First Corps and
ordered south. Hood had a brush with a cavalry force at
Manassas Gap, and part of McLaws's division a similar
experience at the east end of Chester G^ap.
I reached Culpeper Court-House with the divisions of
McLaws, R. H. Anderson, and Pickett. Hood's division
was ordered behind Robertson River, and Ransom to
Madison Court-House, General Jackson with the Second
Corps remaining in the Shenandoah Valley, except one
division at Chester Gap of the Blue Ridge.
The Washington authorities issued orders on the 5th
of November relieving General McClellan of, and assign-
ing General Burnside to, command of the Army of the
Potomac. On the 9th the army was put under General
Burnside, in due form.
When informed of the change. General Lee expressed
regret, as he thought that McClellan could be relied upon
to conform to the strictest rules of science in the conduct
of war. He had been McClellan's preceptor, they had
served together in the engineer corps, and our chief thought
that he thoroughly understood the displaced commander.
The change was a good lift for the South, however ; Mc-
Clellan was growing, was likely to exhibit far greater
powers than he had yet shown, and could not have given
us opportunity to recover the morale lost at Sharpsburg,
as did Burnside and Hooker.
General Burnside, soon after assuming command, and
while waiting at Warrenton, made a radical change in the
202 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
organization of tlio army by consolidating the cor|^ into
three ** Grand Divisions" as follows:
Thk Right Grand Division, Gknkkal 8l'mner commanding.—
hM'cond Army Corpn, Geiioral D. N. Couch ; Ninth Army Corpn, Geii-
oral O. B. Wilcox.
Centre Grand Division, General Joseph Hooker commanding.
—Third Army Corps, General George Stoneman ; P^ifth Army Corps,
General Daniel Butterfield.
Left Grand Division, General W. B. Franklin commanding.
—First Army Corps, Cfcnerul J. F. Reynolds ; Hixtli Army Corps, Gen-
oral W. F. Smith.
Cavalry Division.— General Alfred Pleasonton.
Artillery, siege, and field batterii*8, 370 guns, General Henry J. Hunt,
Chief.
At the time of the change of commanders the Con-
federates were looking for a F'ederal move north of Cul-
peper Conrt-House, and were surveying the ground be-
hind Robertson River for a point of concentration of the
two wings to meet that move.
General Burnside, however, promptly planned opera-
tions on other lines. He submitted to President Lincoln
his proposition to disi)lay some force in the direction of
Gordonsville as a divei'sion, while with his main army he
would march south, cross the Rapjiahannock at Fred-
ericksburg, and reach by a surprise march ground nearer
Richmond than the holdings of the Confederates. This
was ap])roved by the President with the suggestion that
its success depended upon prompt execution.
On the 15th light began to break upon the Confeder-
ates, revealing a move south from Warrenton, but it was
not regarded as a radical change from the Orange and
Alexandria Railroad line of advance. A battery of ar-
tillery was sent with a regiment of infantry to reinforce
the Confederate outpost at Fredericksburg under Colonel
Ball.
On the 17th information came that the Right Grand Di-
vision under General Sumner had marched south, leaving
REORGANIZATION AND REST FOR BOTH ARMIES. 293
the railroad, and General W. H. F. Lee's cavalry was
ordered to Fredericksburg.
The next morning I marched with two divisions, Mc-
Laws's and Ransom's, the former for Fredericksburg, the
latter towards the North Anna. The same day, General
Lee ordered a forced reconnoissance by his cavalry to
Warren ton, found that the Union army w-as all on the
march towards Fredericksburg, and ordered my other
divisions to follow on the 19th.
At the first disclosure he was inclined to move for a po-
sition behind the North Anna, as at that time the position
behind Fredericksburg appeared a little awkward for the
Confederates, but, fciking into Ciircful consideration the
position of the Union army on the Stafford side, the
former appeared the less faulty of the two. Defence be-
hind the Anna would have been stronger, but the ad-
vantage of the enemy's attack would also have been en-
hanced there. Then, too, anticipation of the effect of
surprising the enemy in their intended surprise had some
influence in favor of Fredericksburg.
The Burnside march was somewhat of the Horace
Greeley " On-to-Richmond" nolens-volens style, which, if
allowed to run on long enough, sometimes gains headway
that is troublesome.
General Sumner reached Falmouth on the 17th, and
proposed to cross, but his advance was met and forced
back by Colonel Ball's command.
I rode with the leading division for Fredericksburg,
and was on the heights on the 19th. My head-quarters
w^ere there when General Sumner called upon the civil
authorities to surrender the city by the following commu-
nication :
"HEAD-QUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
"November 21, 1862.
"Mayor and CJommon CJouncil of Fredericksburg:
"Gentlemen, — Under cover of the houses of your city shots
bfkve been fired upon the troops of my command. Your mills
294 FROM MANAS8AB TO APPOMATTOX.
and manufactories are furnishing provisions and the material for
clothing for armed bodies in rebellion against the government of
the United States. Your railroads and other means of transpor-
tation are removing supplies to the depots of such troops. This
condition of things must terminate, and, by direction of Greneral
Burnside, I accordingly demand the surrender of the city into
my hands, as the representative of the government of the United
States, at or before five o'clock this afternoon.
*^ Failing an affirmative reply to this demand by the hour indi-
cated, sixteen hours will be permitted to elapse for the removal
from the city of women and children, the sick and wounded and
aged, etc., which period having expired, I shall proceed to shell
the town. Upon obtaining possession of the city, every necessary
means will be taken to preserve order and secure the protective
pperation of the laws and policy of the United States govern-
ment.
'^I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
^'E. V. Sumner,
^* Bvt, Maj.'Gen. U. 8. Army, cammanding Right Grand DivmonJ*^ *
The officers who received the call, by consent of Gen-
eral Patrick, who delivered it, referred the paper to my
head-quarters. I asked the civil authorities to reply that
the city would not be used for the purposes complained of,
but that neither the town nor the south side of the river
could be occupied by the Union army except by force of
arms.
General Sumner ordered two batteries into position
commanding the town, but in a few hours received the
following reply from the mayor :
"Mayor's Office,
"Fredericksburg, November 21, 1862.
"Brevet Major-General E. V. Sumner,
^^ Oymmanding U. 8. Army:
"Sir, — I have received, at 4.40 o'clock this afternoon, your
communication of this date. In it you state that, under cover
of the houses of this town, shots have been fired upon the troops
of your command ; that our mills and manufactories are furnish-
ing provisions and the material for clothing for armed bodies in
* RelK'llion Record, vol. xxL part i. p. 783.
REORGANIZATION AND REST FOR BOTH ARMIES. 295
rebellion against the government of the United States ; that our
railroads and other means of transportation are removing sup-
plies to the depots of such troops ; that this condition of things
must terminate ; that, by command of Major-General Burnside,
you demand the surrender of this town into your hands, as the
representative of the government of the United States, at or be-
fore five o'clock this afternoon ; that, failing an affirmative reply
to this demand by the time indicated, sixteen hours will be per-
mitted to elapse for the removal from the town of the women and
children, the sick, wounded, and aged, which period having
elapsed, you will proceed to shell the'town.
** In reply I have to say that this communication did not reach
me in time to convene the Council for its consideration, and to
furnish a reply by the hour indicated (five p.m.). It was sent to
me through the hands of the commanding officer of the Confed-
erate States near this town, to whom it was firat delivered, by
consent of General Patrick, who bore it from you, as I am in-
formed, and I am authorized by the commander of the Confed-
erate army to say that there was no delay in passing it through
his hands to me.
** In regard to the matters complained of by you, the firing of
shot upon your troops occurred upon the northern suburbs of the
town, and was the act of the military officer commanding the
Confederate forces near here, for which matter (neither) the citi-
zens nor civil authorities of this town are responsible. In regard
to the other matters of complaint, I am authorized by the latter
officer to say that the condition of things therein complained of
shall no longer exist ; that your troops shall not be fired on from
this town ; that the mills and manufactories here will not furnish
any further supplies of provisions or material for clothing for
the Confederate troops, nor will the railroads or other means of
transportation here convey supplies from the town to the depots
of said troops.
** Outside of the town the civil authorities of Fredericksburg
have no control, but I am assured by the military authorities of
the Confederate army near here that nothing will be done by
them to infringe the conditions herein named as to matters within
the town. But the latter authorities inform us that, while their
troops will not occupy the town, they will not permit yours to
do so.
** You must be aware that there will not be more than three or
four hours of daylight within the sixteen hours given by you for
the roinoval of the sick and wounded, the women j^nd children,
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CHAPTEK XXII.
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG.
Description of the Field— Marye's Heights— Position of the Troops of
Longstreet's Command— General Jackson called down from Orange
Court-House, and Preparations made for a Determined Stand— Signal
Gun8 at Three o'Clock in the Morning announce the Long-Expected
Battle— Burnside^s Bridge-Builders thrice driven back from their
Work- The Crossing finally made by Boats— Federals under Hot
Fire enter Fredericksburg — How they obtained their Foothold on
the West Bank of the Rappahannock — Gallant Officers and Men —
Ninety-seven killed or wounded in the Space of Fifty Yards— Gen-
eral Burnside's Plan of Battle— Strength of the Contending Forces.
McLaws's division of the First Corps was posted on the
heights in rear of the city, one brigade in the sunken road
in front of the Marye mansion, the others extending across
the Telegraph road through tlie wood of Lee's Hill.
As the other divisions of the corps came up they were
posted, R. H. Anderson on Taylor's Hill ; Ransom in
reserve, near corps head-quarters ; Pickett in the wood,
in rear of McLaws's right ; Hood at Hamilton's Crossing.
The Federal Grand Divisions under Franklin and
Hooker marched on the 18th of November, and on the
19th pitched their camps, the former at Stafford Court-
House, and the latter at Hartwood, each about ten miles
from Falmouth. A mile and a half above Fredericksburg
the Rappahannock cuts through a range of hills, which
courses on the north side in a southeasterly direction, nearly
parallel, and close to its margin. This range (Stafford
Heights) was occupied by the enemy for his batteries of
position, one hundred and forty-seven siege guns and
long-range field batteries. These heights not only com-
mand those of the west, but the entire field and flats
opened by the spreading out of the range on the west
9ide, At points, however, they stand so close beside the
297
296 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
the aged and infirm, from this place ; and I have to inform yon
that, while there is no railroad transportation accessible to the
town, because of the interruption thereof by your batteries, all
other means of transportation within the town are so limited as
to render the removal of the classes of persons spoken of within
the time indicated as an utter impossibility.
^'I have convened the Council, which will remain in session
awaiting any further communications you may have to make.
** Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
**3I. Slaughter,
''Mayor:'
To this General Sumner responded the same day, —
" Mayor and Common Council of Fredericksburg, Va. :
^* Your letter of this afternoon is at hand, and, in consi<leration
of your pledges that the acts coniplaineii of shall ceavse, and that
your to^Ti shall not be occupied by any of the enemy's forces,
and your assertion that a lack of transportation rendei-s it impos-
sible to remove the women, children, sick, wounded, and aged, I
am authorized to say to you that our batteries will not open upon
your town at the hour designated.
** General Patrick will meet a committee or representative
from your town to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock, at the Lacy
House.
''Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
**E. V. Sumner,
^^ Brevet Major- General, U. 8. Anny, Commanding Z)/r/>/ow."
As the inference from the correspondence was that the
shelling was only postponed, the people were advised to
move with their valuables to some place of safety as soon
as possible. Without complaint, those who could, packed
their precious effects and moved beyond reach of the
threatened storm, but many preferred to remain and en-
counter the dangers rather than to leave their home« and
valuables. The fortitude with which they bore their trials
quickened the minds of the soldiers who were there to
defend them. One train leaving with women and chil-
dren was fired upon, making some confusion and dismay
among them, but the two or three shells did no other
mischief, and the firing ceased,
CHAPTER XXIL
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG.
Description of the Field— Marye's Heights— Position of the Troops of
Ifongstreet's Command— General Jacltson called down from Orange
Court-House, and Preparations made for a Determined Stand— Signal
Guns at Three o'Clock in tlie Morning announce the Long- Expected
Battle— Bur nside's Bridge-Builders thrice driven hack from their
Work— The Crossing tiually made hy Boats— Federals under Hot
Fire enter Fredericksburg — How they obtained their Foothold on
the West Bank of the Rappahannock— Gallant Officers and Men—
Nhiety-aeven killed or wounded in the Space of Fifty Yards- Gen-
eral Buruside^s Plan of Battle— Strength of the Contending Forces.
McLaws's division of the First Corps Avas posted on the
heights in rear of the city, one brigade in the sunken road
in front of the Marye mansion, the others extending across
tlie Telegraph road througli the wood of I^ee's Hill.
As the other divisions of the corps came up tliey were
jx)sted, R. H. Anderson on Taylor's Hill ; Ransom in
reserve, near corps head-quartei^s ; Pickett in the wood,
in rear of McLaws's right ; Hood at Hamilton's Crossing.
The Federal Grand Divisions under Franklin and
Hooker marched on the 18th of November, and on the
19th pitched their cami)s, the former at Stafford Court-
House, and the latter at Hartwood, each about ten miles
from Falmouth. A mile and a half above F'redericksburg
the Rappahannock cuts through a range of hills, which
courses on the north side in a southeasterly direction, nearly
parallel, and close to its margin. This range (Stafford
Heights) was occupied by the enemy for his batteries of
position, one hundred and forty-seven siege guns and
long-range field batteries. These heights not only com-
mand those of the west, but the entire field and flats
opened by the spreading out of the range on the west
^ide. At points, however, they stand so close beside the
297
298 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
river that the guns on their crest could not be so depressed
as to plunge their fire to the water. The heights are cut
at points by streamlets and ravines leading into the river,
and level up gradually as they approach nearer to the
Potomac on its west slope, and towards the sea on the
south. The city of Fredericksburg nestles under those
heights on the opposite bank. McLaws had a brigade
on picket service, extending its guard up and down the
banks of the river, in connection with details from R. H.
Anderson's division above and Hood's below, the latter
meeting Stuart's cavalry vedettes lower down.
At the west end of the ridge where the river cuts
through is Taylor's Hill (the Confederate left), which
stands at its highest on a level with Stafford Heights.
From that point the heights on the south side spread,
unfolding a valley about a mile in width, affording a
fine view of the city, of the arable fields, and the heights
as they recede to the vanishing limits of sight. Next be-
low Taylor's is Marye's Hill, rising to half the elevation
of the neighboring heights and dropping back, leaving a
plateau of half a mile, and then swelling to the usual
altitude of the range. On the plateau is the Marye man-
sion. Along its base is a sunken road, with retaining
walls on either side. That on the east is just breast-high
for a man, and just the height convenient for infantry
defence and fire. From the top of the breast-work the
ground recedes gradually till near the canal, when it drops
off three or four feet, leaving space near the canal of a
rod or two of level ground. The north end of the sunken
road cuts into the plank or Gordonsville road, which is
an extension of Hanover Street from near the heart of
the town. At the south end it enters the Telegraph road,
extending out from the town limits and up over the third,
or Telegraph Hill, called, in its bloody baptismal, " Lee's
Hill." An unfinished railroad lies along the Telegraph
road as far as the highlands. The Fredericksburg and
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 299
Potomac Railroad lies nearly parallel with the river
four railes, and then turns south through the highlands.
The old stage road from the city runs about half-way be-
tween the river and the railroad four miles, when it turns
southwest and crosses the railroad at Hamilton's Crossing.
The hamlet of Falmouth, on the north side of the river,
was in front of the right centre of the Federal position,
half a mile from Fredericksburg.
General Jackson, advised of General Burnside's move
to Fredericksburg, drew his corps east of the Blue Ridge
as far as Orange Court-House.
Before the end of November it became evident that
Fredericksburg was to be our winter station and the scene
of a severe battle before it could be relieved. General
Lee advised the citizens who still remained in the place
(and some who had returned) to remove their effects.
Those who had friends found comfortable places of rest,
but many took the little that they could get away with,
and made their homes in the deep forest till the storm
could pass. Still, none complained of the severe ordeal
which they were called upon to endure.
Towards the latter part of the month General Jackson
was called down and assigned position on the right near
Hamilton's Crossing and the Massaponax. He objected
to the position, preferring the North Anna, but General
Lee had already weighed the matter, and had decided in
favor of Fredericksburg. Hood's division, relieved at
Hamilton's Crossing, was drawn to my right and stretched
across the valley of Deep Run, a little to the rear of
Jackson's left and McLaws's right.
Batteries of position were assigned from the reserve
artillery along the heights, with orders to cover the guns,
by epaulements or pitting them. The work was progress-
ing while the guns were held under cover remote from
the enemy's better appointed artillery until the positions
were covered by solid banks or good pits. The small field
300 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
pieces were removed for safety to convenient points for
field service in case opportunity called for them. The
Confederates had three hundred and six guns, including
two thirty-pound Parrotts of Richmond make. These
w^ere covered by epaulements on Lee's Hill.
On the 1st of December the batteries of reserve artil-
lery were relieved from the First Corps by those of the
Washington and Alexander's artillery. Orders were
given to examine all lines of approach, and to measure
particularly the distance of the crossings of the canal on
the Plank and Telegraph roads ; to inspect and improve
the parapets and pits along the front, and to traverse all
batteries not securely covered against the batteries oppo-
site Taylor's Hill, and others within range of our lines,
and McLaws was directed to open signal line with his
brigade and guards along the river bank.
The day after Jackson joined us several gun-boats were
reported in the lower river at Port Royal. D. H. Hill's
division was detached with several select batteries to watch
and guard at that point against a crossing, should it be
attempted, and to engage and try the metal of the gun-
boats. After some little practice the boats drew off and
dropped down-stream ; but Hill's division was left near
the point in observation with W. H. F. Lee's cavalry.
The brigade of cavalry under General Hampton kept
careful watch of the fords of the upper Rappahannock.
To guard against further encroachments of the gun-boats,
a battery was intrenched on the river bank under direc-
tion of Major T. M. R. Talcot, of the general staff. At
the river, sharp-shooters, by concealing themselves in
the ravines and pits, could escape artillery fire and lie
in secure readiness to attack parties engaged in laying
bridges. After driving off working parties they were
to seek cover till again needed. By such practice they
were to delay the bridge-builders till the commands had
time to assemble at their points of rendezvous, The uar-
BATTLE OF FUEDERICKSBURG. 301
row, deep bed of the «treani, a mile away from any point
of the CV)nfederate lines where batteries eould be planted,
and covered as it was by the guns of Stafford Heights,
prevented the thought of successful resistance to laying
bridges at any point from Falmouth to the extreme left
of the Federal line ; but the strong ground upon which
the Confederates were to accept battle offset the uncomfort-
able feeling in regard to the crossing of the river.
General Burnside made some show of disposition to
cross fourteen miles below, at Skinker's Neck, but that
was under guard of D. H. Hill's division, and he saw that
his purpose could not be effected. The plan which he
finally adopted was to span the river by bridges near the
centre and lower limits of the city, and two others a mile
below the latter, and just below the mouth of Deep Run,
the Right Grand Division to cross by the upper and
second bridges, the Left Grand Division by the lower
bridges, and the Centre Grand Division to be in position
near the others to reinforce their battle.
The stir and excitement about the enemy's camps on the
10th of December, as well as the reports of scouts, gave
notice that important movements were pending. Notice
was given the commands, and the batteries were ordered
to have their animals in harness an hour before daylight
of the next morning, and to continue to hitch up daily
at that hour until further orders.
At three o'clock on the morning of the 11th the deep
boom of a cannon aroused both armies, and a second gun was
recognized as the signal for battle. In a few minutes the
commands were on the march for their positions. Orders
were sent to call D. H. Hill's division and all of the Sec-
ond Corps to their ground along the woodland over Ham-
ilton's Crossing.
Barksdale's brigade of Mississippians was on picket duty
in Fredericksburg at the time ; the Seventeenth and Eigh-
teenth Regiments, with the Eighth Florida, of R. H. An-
302 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
derson's division, were on tlie river line ; the other regi-
ments of tlie brigade and tlie Third Georgia, of R. H.
Anderson's, in reserve.
The first noise made by the enemy's bridge-builders was
understood by the picket guards, as was all of their early
work of construction, but a heavy mist along the water
concealed them from view until their work upon the bridge
was w^ell advanced. As soon as the forms of the workmen
could be discerned the skirmishers opened fire, which was
speedily answered from the other side in efforts to draw
the fire from the bridge-builders, but the Confederates
limited their attention to the builders till they w^ere driven
off, w^hen they ceased firing. Another effort to lay the
bridge met a like result. Then a third received the
same stormy repulse, when it seemed that all the cannon
within a mile of the town turned their concentrating fire
of shot and shell upon the buildings of the devoted city,
tearing, crushing, bursting, burning their walls with angry
desperation that must have been gratifying to spirits deep
down below.
Under the failures to lay the bridge. General Hunt
suggested that the pontoon-boats be filled with infantry-
men, rushed across and landed on the other bank until a
sufl^cient force was in position to protect the bridge-build-
ers. Barksdale had been notified before noon that the
army w^as in position, and that he could withdraw his
troops at any moment, but he preferred his little fight in
Fredericksburg. At four o'clock, when the landing was
made by the boats, he thought the city safe against artil-
lery practice, and was pleased to hold till night could
cover his withdrawal.
Colonel Norman J. Hall, of the Seventh Michigan
Regiment, commanded the troops working for a foothold
on the west bank. After the several attempts to have the
bridge built, he accepted General Hunt's proposition to
load the boats and have the men push across. Lieutenant-
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 303
Colonel Baxter, commanding the regiment, volunteered to
lead the party. Captain Weymouth, of the Nineteenth
Massachusetts, proposed to support the move. Under sig-
nal for artillery fire to cease, the command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Baxter pushed across. Under the best fire the
j)ickets could bring to bear only one man was killed and
Lieutenant-Colonel Baxter and several men were wounded.
The party of seventy were rushed up the bank, gained
position, captured some prisoners, and were soon rein-
forced. The enemy's fire over the west bank was so
sweeping that Barksdale could not reinforce at the point
of landing. The Nineteenth Massachusetts was deployed
to the right, and the Seventh Michigan to the left.
The Twenty-eighth Massachusetts reinforced them. The
Twelfth and Fifty-ninth New York and One Hundred
and Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Regiments joined the
command in the city. Colonel Hall found that he must
prepare for some fighting, and speedily, as night was
coming on. He sent to the rear to ask for time to pre-
pare and make his fight to suit him, but was hurried on
by the division pushing forward to get across the bridge,
with orders to secure the streets at all hazards. The
Seventh Michigan and Nineteenth Massachusetts had
been brought to a stand, when the Twenty-eighth Massa-
chusetts was rushed forward in gallant style. Colonel
Hall reported, " Platoon after platoon were swept away,
but the head of the column did not falter. Ninety-seven
ofl^cers and men were killed or wounded in the space
of about fifty yards." The eastern part of the town was
occupied, and at a late hour of the night the Confederates
retired.
As Barksdale's brigade withdrew, he was relieved at
the sunken road by the Eighteenth and Twenty-fourth
Georgia Regiments and Cobb's Georgia Legion, General
T. R. R. Cobb in command.
The Third Grand Division had no severe work in lay-
;>04 FROM MANASSAS TQ APPOMATTOX.
ing the bridges below Deep Run, and were ready for co-
o])enition some hours in advance of the right.
The Federals occupied the 12th in moving the Right
Grand Division into the city by the upper bridges, and
tlie Left Grand Division by the bridges Mow Deep
Creek. One liundred and four guns crossed with the
right, one hundred and twenty with tlie left. The Centre
Grand Division was held in reserve. Two divisions of
the Third Corps were sent to the lower bridges during the
night to support the battle of the left, and were ordered
over on the 13th.
The plan of battle by the Federal commander, in brief,
was to drive the Confederate right back into the high-
lands and follow that success by attacking the Confederate
left by his Right Grand Division.
The beginning only of this plan was carried out. The
Left Grand Division having duly crossed the river at the
lower bridges on the 12th, — the Sixth Corps and Bayard's
brigade of cavalry, then the First Corps, — the Sixth de-
ployed two divisions, supported by the third, parallel to
the old Richmond road ; the First formed at right angles to
the Sixth, its right on the left of the Sixth, its left on the
river, two divisions on the front line, one in support. The
cavalry was sent out to reconnoitre. The entire field of
the command was an open plain between the highlands
and the river, traversed by the old Richmond road, which
had well-formed embankments and ditches on both
sides.
The Federal troops of their left divisions were in full
view of the heights (Lee's Hill) occupied by the Confed-
erates ; those of the right were concealed by the buildings
of Fredericksburg and under the river banks, and their
bridges were under the steep also. The two brigades on
the right of the Sixth Corps were to the right of Deep
Run ; the others, of the First and Sixth Corps, on the
left. The batteries of the corps were under authority
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 305
of corps commanders. There were but few shots ex-
changed during the 12th, and these not of great damage.
On the Confederate side the First Corps (Longstreet's)
w^as in position from Taylor's Hill across Deep Run Bot-
tom. The Second Corps was in mass about the wooded
heights at Hamilton's Crossing. His cavalry and horse
artillery were on his right in the Massaponax Valley.
General R. Ransom's division was posted in rear of the
left of Marye's Hill ; his Twenty-fourth North Carolina
Regiment was advanced to the left of Cobb's line in the
sunken road. His brigade under Colonel Cooke was de-
ployed as sharp-shooters on the crest of the hill. He was
especially charged with looking after the left of Cobb's
line. In front of this line and about six hundred yards
from it was a canal, or large wet ditch, about four hundred
yards out from the city limits. The crossings at the Plank
and Telegraph roads had been bridged, and the bridges
were ordered wrecked, but were only partially destroyed,
the string-pieces being left in place. The corps in posi-
tion, the Confederate commander prepared to stand and
receive battle.
In concluding this account of the confronting armies
on the eve of battle, let us glance at their relative strength
as expressed in numbers.
The Army of the Potomac, as reported by General
Burnside, had on December 10 an " aggregate present for
duty" of 132,017 * officers and men (not including cav-
alry). The Army of Northern Virginia was reported by
General Lee on the same date to have had an aggregate
of 69,391 f (not includmg cavalry).
♦ RebeUion Record, vol. xxi. part I. p. 1121.
t.Ibid., p. 1057.
20
CHAPTER XXIII.
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG (CONTINUED).
The Battle-field veiled by a Heavy Fog— Terrific Fighting of the 13th
of December — Forlorn Hope of the Federals — General Meade's Di-
vision of Franklin's Command makes the First Advance — General
French leads against the Confederate Left— Hancoc:k follows— General
Cobb killed— The Sunken Road and Stone Wall below Marye's Hill-
Desperate Advances and Determined Repulses — Humphreys's Heroic
Assault — The Stone Wall **a Sheet of Flame"— General Jackson loses
his Opportunity to advance — The Charge of Meade's Divisions com-
pared with that of Pickett, Pettlgrew, and Trimble's Columns at
Gettysburg— Forty Per Cent, killed in charging Lines here, and Sixty
Per Cent, at Gettysburg— Total Losses— Peace to be declared because
Gold had gone to 200— Organization of the Army of Northern Vir-
ginia.
On the morning of the 13th of December the confront-
ing armies, which were destined that day to clash in one
of the bloodiest conflicts of the war, stood completely veiled
from each other's sight by an impenetrable mist. The
entire Confederate army was now for the first time upon
the field, for General Jackson had during the night
brought up his scattered divisions from down the river.
Before daylight I rode to view my line and troops from
right to left. Hood's division on the right was found on
the alert, as was the enemy near that point. The voices
of the Union officers as they gave their commands were
carried to us with almost startling clearness by the heavy
fog that covered the field and surroundings. So heavy
was this fog that nothing could be seen at a distance
of ten or twelve rods, and yet so distinctly were the
voices of the officers brought to us that they seemed quite
near at hand, and General Hood was looking for assault-
ing columns against his front. He was told that such
move would put the enemy's column in a cul'de-sac, and
therefore his position was in no danger of attack; that
306
BATTLK OF FKEDERICKSBURG. 307
the attack would be aimed against Jackson's front ; that
in case it broke through there he should swing around to
his right and take the attacking forces in reverse ; that
Pickett's division would be ordered to a corresponding
move on his left, with the batteries of the two divisions in
the plain off the left ; that my front would be attacked,
but it was safely posted, and not likely to need other than
the troops on that ground. Pickett's command was under
arms, expecting orders. They were given instructions
similar to those just mentioned for Hood. The divisions
of McLaws, Ransom, and R. H. Anderson were in readi-
ness, as were all the batteries. But the fog, nothing
abated, hung so heavy that not a sight for a cannon-shot
was open till a late hour of the morning.
The front of the Second Corps was occupied by A. P.
Hill's division, the brigades of Archer, Lane, and Pender
on the first line ; those of Thomas, Gregg, and Brocken-
brough on the second. A third line was occupied by
Taliaferro's and Early's divisions. D. H. Hill's division
was off to the rear of the right. Lieutenant-Colonel
Walker posted a fourteen-gun battery of the division ar-
tillery on A. P. Hill's right, and two other field batteries
on the plain on his left. Stuart's horse artillery and cav-
alry were on the plain on the right, in the valley of the
Massaponax, supporting the Second Corps.
About 7.45 in the morning General Hardie, of Burn-
side's staff, reported to General Franklin that his orders
would reach him in a few minutes by the hands of an aide-
de-camp. Hardie was ordered to remain near General
Franklin's head-quarters. At eight o'clock the order
came, and at 8.30 Meade's division moved towards the
general direction of Jackson's position.
At ten o'clock the fog lifted and revealed Meade's lines,
six batteries on his left and four on his right. Gibbon's
division supporting the right and Doubleday's covering
the left. The order for the commander of the Left Grand
o08 FROM MAXAKSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Division was to nmke tlie advance bv at least one division.
The diviisions of the Fii-st Corps were thought to fully
meet the terms of the order.
^leade's lines advanced in handsome, solid ranks, leaving
heavy reserves of the Sixth Corps and two divisions of
the Third that had been called over from the Centre
Grand Division. The fire of Stuart's horse artillery
against their left caused delay until some of the batteries
of the left engaged and drove oft* the fire. After half
an hour's delay the advance was resumed, the batteries
thrown to the front to shell the field in search of the
Confederate batteries. The latter had been ordered, for
the most part, to reserve their fire for infantry. After an
hour's heavy artillery practice Meade's march was re-
sumed, and with great vigor, the batteries ploughing the
way for the infantry columns. At the same time the
fourteen-gun battery of A. P. Hill's right and his left
batteries replied with equal spirit and practice, though
with unequal metal.
The view of the battle of the enemy's left burst upon
us at Lee's Hill, as the mist rolled away under the bright
noonday sun. We noted the thin, ])ale smoke of infantry
fire fading in the far away of their left, the heavy clouds
rising from the batteries on both sides of the river, the
bright armored ranks and banners, and our elevation
seemed to draw them so close to ns, on their right, that
we thought to turn our best guns upon that part of the
line, and General Lee authorized the test of their range.
Only a few shots were sent when the troops that had been
lying concealed in the streets of the city came flying out
bv both roads in swarms at double time and rushed
towards us. Every gun that we had in range opened
upon the advancing columns and ploughed their ranks
bv a fire that would test the nerves of the bravest soldiers.
But the battle of the Federal left had the first opening,
and calls for first notice.
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 309
Under a 5?troiig artillery combat Meade marched for-
ward, with Gibbon's division in close support on hij^ right,
and Uoubledav's farther oflf on his left. The line en-
countered Lane's brigade front in a steady, hard fight,
and, developing against Archer's left, broke through,
forcing the brigades back, encountered Thomas's and
Gregg's brigades, threw the latter into confusion, and killed
General Gregg. Brockenbrough's and Pender's brigades
turned against the penetrating columns and were forced
back. Under skilful handling the brigades finally
brought the battle to steady work, but Meade's impetuous
onward nuirch was bravely made and pressed until three
brigades of Early's division were advanced and thrown
into action, commanded by Colonels Atkinson, Walker,
and Hoke. These, with the combined fire of Hill's broken
lines, forced Meade back. Two regiments of Berry's bri-
gade of the Third Corps came to the relief of Meade and
were driven back, when Gibbon's division which followed
was met, and after severe battle was repulsed. The Con-
federates made a partial following of tlie success, beyond
the railroad, and until they encountered the fire of the
relieving divisions under Birney and Sickles and the re-
serve batteries. Doubleday's division protected Meade's
left as Jackson's right under Taliaferro partially engaged
against them ; both encountered loss. Hood got one of
his brigades in in time to follow the troops as they retired
towards their reserve line. At the first moment of the
break on Jackson's lines Pickett rode to Hood and urged
that the opportunity anticipated was at hand, but Hood
failed to see it in time for effective work. About two p.m.
the battle quieted into defensive practice of artillery and
sharp-shooters.
The opening against the Confederate left, before re-
ferred to, was led by French's division of the Second
Corps, about 10.30. The Eighteenth and Twenty-fourth
Georgia Regiments, Cobb's Georgia Legion, and the
310 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Twenty-fourth North Carolina Regiment were in the
sunken road, the salient point. On Marye's Hill, back
and above, was the Washington Ai-tillery, with nine guns.
Ransom's and Cooke's North Carolina brigade in open
field, the guns under partial cover, pitted. Other bat-
teries on Taylor's and Lee's Hills posted to this defence
as many as twenty guns, holding under range by direct
and cross fire the avenues of approach and the open field
along Cobb's front.
French's division came in gallant style, but somewhat
hurried. He gathered his ranks behind the swell of
ground near the canal and moved to the assault. An in-
tervening plank fence gave the troops some trouble in
crossing under fire, so that his ranks were not firm after
passing it to the attack. Hancock, coming speedily with
his division, was better organized and in time to take up
the fight as French was obliged to retire. This advance
was handsomely maintained, but the galling fire they en-
countered forced them to open fire. Under this delay
their ranks were cut up as rapidly as they had collected
at the canal, and when within a hundred yards of the
stone wall they were so thinned that they could do nothing
but surrender, even if they could leap to the road-bed.
But they turned, and the fire naturally slackened, as their
hurried steps took them away to their partial cover. The
troops behind the stone wall were reinforced during this
engagement by two of Cooke's regiments from the hill-top,
ordered by General Ransom, and General McLaws or-
dered part of Kershaw's brigade in on their right.
After Hancock's engagement some minutes passed be-
fore arrangements were made for the next. Howard's di-
vision had been feeling for a way to get by Cobb's left,
when he was called to the front attack, and ordered over
the same ground. He arranged his forces with care, and
advanced in desperate fight. Under the severe fire of the
Confederates his troops were provoked to return fire, and
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 311
during the delay thus caused his ranks were so speedily
decimated that they in turn were obliged to return to
cover. The Confederate commander, General Cobb, was
killed. General Kershaw, with the other regiments of his
brigade, was ordered to the front. The Washington Ar-
tillery, exhausted of ammunition, was relieved by guns
of Alexander's battalion. The change of batteries seemed
to give new hope to the assaulting forces. They cheered and
put in their best practice of sharp-shooters and artillery.
The greater part of Alexander's loss occurred while gal-
loping up to his position. General Ransom advanced the
other regiments of his brigade to the crest of the hill.
At the suggestion of General Lee the brigades of Jenkins
and Kemper of Pickett's division were called up and as-
signed, the former to General McLaws and the latter to
General Ransom. A supply of ammunition was sent
down to the troops in the road in time to meet the next
attack, by Sturgis's division of the Ninth Corps, which
made the usual brave fight, and encountered the same
damaging results. Getty's division of the Ninth Corps
came to his support on the left, but did not engage fiercely,
losing less than eight hundred men. Carroll's brigade of
Whipple's division. Third Corps, came in on Sturgis's left,
but only to brace that part of the fight.
As the troops hurried forward from the streets of the
city for the Telegraph road, they came at once under the
fire of the long-range guns on Lee's Hill. The thirty-
pound Parrotts were particularly effective in having the
range and dropping their shells in the midst of the col-
umns as they dashed forward. Frequently commands
were broken up by this fire and that of other long-range
guns, and sought shelter, as they thought, in the rail-
road cut, but that point was well marked, and the shots
were dropped in, in enfilade fire, with precision, often
making wide gaps in their ranks. The siege guns of
Stafford Heights gave their especial attention to our
312 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
heavy guns and put their shots over the parapets very
often.
One shell buried itself close under the parapet at Gen-
eral Lee's side, as he sat among the oflScers of his staflf,
but it failed to explode. Soon after this our big Parrott
gun burst into many fragments. It was closely surrounded
by General Lee and staff, officers of the First Corps
head-quarters, and officers and gunners of the battery,
but the explosion caused no other damage than the loss
of the gun.
Griffin's division was next ordered to attack, and made
the usual desperate struggle. The Confederates mean-
while had accumulated such force in the road that a single
division, had it reached that point, would have found its
equal in numbers, and of greater vigor, with Ransom at
the top of the hill prepared to rush down and join in
the mt*l^. At that hour we could have safely invited
one division into our midst, if assured it was to be the
last.
The next attack was made by Humphreys's division.
Its commander was a man of superior attainments and
accomplishments in the walks of civil as well as military
life. He measured justly the situation, and arranged his
battle in the only order by which success could have been
made possible, but he had only two brigades with which
to take a position not assailable and held by more than
three brigades of superior troops. His troops were new,
so that he felt called to personal example as well as skilful
handling. He ordered the attack with empty muskets,
and led with his brigade commanders, but half-way up
towards the goal his men stopped to load and open fire,
which neither he nor his officers could prevent, so they
were driven back. Then he made a like effi^rt with his
other brigade, under special orders from Generals Burnside
and Hooker that the point must be carried before night, —
and the dew was then falling. (Just then our second big
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 313
Parrott gun went into fragments, but without damage
to the men.) The troops that had been driven back from
previous attacks joined in trying to persuade Hum-
phreys's men not to go forward. Notwithstanding the
discouraging surroundings, he led his men on, encountered
the same terrific and death-dealing opposition, and his
men retired in greater confusion, going beyond his control
to the vicinity of the city before he could get them again
in ranks. His account of the last effort is interesting:
^^The stone wall was a slieet of flame that enveloped the head
and flanks of the column. Officers and men were falling rapidly,
and the head of the column was at length brought to a stand when
close up to the wall. Up to this time not a shot hjvd been fired
by the column, but now some firing began. It lasted but a min-
ute, when, in spite of all our efforts, the column turned and begim
to retire slowly. I attempted to rally the brigade behind the nat-
ural embankment so often mentioned, but the united efforts of
General Tyler, myself, our staff*, and other officers could not arrest
the retiring mass." *
At that time there were three brigades behind the stone
wall and one regiment of Ransom's brigade. The ranks
were four or five deep, — the rear files loading and passing
their guns to the front ranks, so that the volleys by bri-
gade were almost incessant pourings of solid sheets of lead.
Two brigades of Sykes's division. First and Second Reg-
ulars, were sent to the front to guard the line. It was
some time after nightfall, so that their line could only be
distinguished by the blaze of their fire. Some of the bat-
teries and infantry engaged against their fire till night
was well advanced.
General Jackson thought to advance against the enemy's
left late in the afternoon, but found it so well posted and
guarded that he concluded the venture would be too haz-
ardous,. He lost his opportunity, failing to follow close
upon the repulse of Meade's and Gibbon's divisions. His
* Kelielliou Kocord) vol. xxi. part i. p. 432.
314 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
command was massed and well in hand, with an open
field for infantry and artillery. He had, including the
divisions of Hood and Pickett,— ordered to work witli
him, — about fifty thousand men. Franklin had, including
troops of the Centre Grand Division, about equal force.
The charge of Meade's division has been compared witli
that of Pickett's, Pettigrew's, and Trimble's at Gettys-
burg, giving credit of better conduct to the former. The
circumstances do not justify the comparison.
When the fog lifted over Meade's advance he was within
musket-range of A. P. Hill's division, closely supported on
his right by Gibbon's, and guarded on his left by Double-
day's division. On Hill's right was a fourteen-gun bat-
tery, on his left eight guns. Meade broke through Hill's
division, and with the support of Gibbon forced his way
till he encountered part of Ewell's division, when he was
forced back in some confusion. Two fresh divisions of the
Third Corps came to their relief, and there were as many
as fifty thousand men at hand who could have been thrown
into the fight. Meade's march to meet his advei'sary was
half a mile, — the troops of both sides fresh and vigorous.
Of the assaulting columns of Pickett, Pettigrew, and
Trimble, only four thousand seven hundred under Pickett
were fresh ; the entire force of these divisions was only
fifteen thousand strong. They had a mile to march over
open field before reaching the enemy's line, strengthened
by field-works and manned by thrice their numbers. The
Confederates at Gettysburg had been fought to exhaustion
of men and munitions. They lost about sixty per cent,
of the assaulting forces, — Meade about forty. The latter
had fresh troops behind him, and more than two hundred
guns to cover his rallying lines. The Confederates had
nothing behind them but field batteries almost exhausted
of ammunition. That Meade made a brave, good fight is
beyond question, but he had superior numbers and ap-
pointments. At Gettysburg the Confederate assault was
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG.
315
made against intrenched lines of artillery and infantry,
where stood fifty thousand men.
A series of braver, more desperate charges than those
hurled against the troops in the sunken road was never
known, and the piles and cross-piles of dead marked a
field such as I never saw before or since.
Between 1.30 and 2.30 of the afternoon several orders
and messages were sent by General Burnside calling on
General Franklin to renew the battle of the left. Before
2.30 he received from General Burnside, through his aide-
de-camp, Captain Goddard, this despatch :
*'Tell Greneral Franklin, with my compliments, that I wish
him to make a vigorous attack with his whole force. Our right
is hard pressed.''
Under ordinary circumstances this would be regarded
as a strong order, but Franklin had gone far enough in his
first battle to be convinced that an attack by his " whole
force," the other end of the army " hard pressed," would
be extremely hazardous. If undertaken and proved dis-
astrous, he could have been made to shoulder the whole
responsibility, for a " wish" implies discretion. It is not
just to the subordinate to use such language if orders are
intended to be imperative. Men bred as soldiers have no
fancy for orders that carry want of faith on their face.
The losses at Fredericksburg were as follows : *
UNION ARMY.
Oiganization.
Right Grand Division (Sumner) .
Ontre Grand Division (Hooker) .
Left Grand Division (Franlcliu) .
Engineers
Artillery Reserve
Aggregate
KUled.
623
a52
401
8
1284
Wounded.
4281
25()1
2761
49
8
9600
* Vol. xxl. of the OfRcial Records.
Captured
or
Mifsing.
640
502
625
2
1769
Total.
5,444
3,355
3,787
59
8
12,653
316
FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
CONFEDERATE ARMY.
Organization.
Killed. ; Wounded.
First Army Corps (Lougstreet) . .
Second Army Corps (Jackson) . . .
Htuart's Cavalry
Aggregate
Captured
or
Missing.
127
626
' Total.
1894
341o
13
a53
5322
During the night, before twelve o'clock, a despatch-
bearer lost his way and was captured. He had on his
person a memorandum of the purpose of General Burn-
side for renewing the battle against Marye's Hill in the
morning. The information was sent up to general head-
quarters, and orders were sent General Ransom to intrench
his brigade along the crest of the hill. Orders were sent
other parts of the line to improve defences and prepare
for the next day in ammunition, water, and rations, under
conviction that the battle of next day, if made as ordered,
would be the last of the Army of the Potomac.
Morning came and passed without serious demonstra-
tions on the part of the enemy. Orders ivere sent out,
however, for renewed eflforts to strengthen the position.
Colonel Alexander found a point at which he could pit a
gun in enfilade position to the swell of ground behind
which the enemy assembled his forces before advancing to
the charge, and Lieutenant-Colonel Latrobe sunk a gun
in similar position for fire across the field of their charges.
We were so well prepared that we became anxious before
the night of the 14tli lest General Burnside would not
come again. In the night he drew back to the river, and
during the night of the 15th recrossed and sent his troops
to their camps.
The stone wall was not thought before the battle a very
important element. We assumed that the formidable
advance would be made against the troops of McLaws's
BATTLE OF FREDEKICKSBrRG. 3l7
division at Lee's Hill, to turn the position at the sunken
road, dislodge my force stationed there, then to occupy
the sunken road, and afterwards ascend to the plateau
upon which the Marye mansion stands; that this would
bring their forces under cross and direct fire of all of our
batteries — short- and long-range guns — in such concen-
tration as to beat them back in bad disorder.
General Hood's failure to meet his orders to make
counter to the anticipated attack upon Jackson was re-
ported in the official accounts. As he was high in favor
with the authorities, it did not seem prudent to attempt to
push the matter, as called for under the ordinary usages of
war. ^^ Bis peccare in hello non licet ^
General Lee went down to Richmond soon after the
battle to propose active operations, and returned with in-
formation that gold had advanced to 200 in New York ;
that the war was over and peace would be announced in
sixty days ; that it was useless to harass the troops by
winter service-. As gold had gone well up on the South-
ern side without bringing peace, it was difficult for sol-
diers to see the bearing that it could have on the other
side; still, we had some trust and hope in the judgment
of superiors.
The forces available for battle at Fredericksburg were :
Federal (according to General Burnside's report), 116,083 ;
Confederate, 78,000. About fifty thousand of the Union
troops were put into battle, and less than twenty thousand
of the Confederates were engaged.
The organization of the Confederate army at this time
was as follows :
Army op Northern Virginia.
First Cori»s, Lieutenant-General James Lonqstreet.
McLaws's Division, Maj.-Gen. Lafayette McLaws :— Kershaw^ sBri^
gndCy Brig.-Gen. Joseph B. Kershaw ; 2d H. C, Col. John D. Kennedy ;
3d 8. C, Col. James D. Nance, Lleut.-Col. William D. Rutherford, Maj.
Robert C. Maffett, Capt William W. Hanee, Capt. John C. Summer,
Capt. John K. G. Nance ; 7th a C, Lieut.-Col. Elbert Bland ; 8th 8. C,
318 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Capt. E. T. Stack house ; 6th S. C, Col. W. D. DeSaussure ; 3d S. C. Battn.,
Lieut.-Col. W. G. Rice. Barksdale^a Brigade, Brig.-Gen. William
Barksdale ; 13th Miss., Col. J. W. Carter ; 17th Miss., Col. John C. Fiser ;
18th Miss., Lieut.-Col. W. H. Luse ; 2lst %f iss.. Col. Benjamin G. Hum-
phreys. Cobb's Brigade, (1) Brig.-Gen. T. R. R Cobb, (2) Col. Robert
McMillan ; IGth Ga., Col. Goode Bryan ; 18th Ga., Lieut.-Col. 8. Z. Ruff;
IMth Ga., Col. Robert McMillan ; Cobb Legion ; Phillips's Legion, Col.
B. F. Cook. Semmes's Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. PaulJ. Semmes ; 10th, 60th,
6l8t, and 53d Ga. Artillery, Col. H. C. Cal)ell ; Manly^s (N. C.) battery,
Read's (Ga.) battery, Richmond Howitzers (Ist), McCarthy's battery ;
Troup (Ga.) Art. (Carlton's battery).
Anderson's Division, Maj.-Gen. Richard H. Anderson :— TFt/ooa:'*
Brigade, Brig.-Gten. Cadmus M. Wilcox ; 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 14th
Ala. Mahone^a Brigade, Brig.-Gen. William Mahone ; 6th, 12th, 16th,
41st, and 61st Va. FeatherstorV a Brigade, Brig.-Gen. W. S. Feather-
ston ; 12th, 16th, 19th, and 48th Miss. (6 cos.). WrighVa Brigade, Brig.-
Gen. A. R. Wright; 3d (Col. Edward J. Walker), 22d, 48th (Capt. M.
R Hall), and 2d Ga. Battn. (Capt C. J. Moffett). Perry's Brigade,
Brig.-Gen. E. A. Perry ; 2d, 6th, and 8th Fla., Capt. David Lang, Capt.
Thomas R. Love. Artillery, Donaldson vi He (La.) Art., Capt. V. Maurin ;
Huger's ( Va.) battery, Capt. Frank Huger ; Lewis's (Va.) battery, Capt.
John W. Lewis ; Norfolk (Va.) Light Art. Blues, Lieut. William T. Peet
Pickett's Division, Maj.-Gen. George E. Pickett :—Gam6«'« Bri-
gade, Brig.-Gen. Richard B. Garnett ; 8th, 18th, 19th, 28th, and 66th Va.
Annisttad'a Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Lewis A. Armistead ; 9th, 14th, 38th,
53d, and 57th Va. Kemper' a Brigade, Brig.-Gten. James L. Kemper ;
lat, 3d, 7th, 11th, and 24th Va. Jenkins' a Brigade, Brig.-Gen. M. Jen-
kins ; 1st (Hagood's), 2d (Rifles), 6th, and 6th S. C. ; Hampton Legion ;
Palmetto Sharp-shooters. Corae's Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Montgomery D.
Corse ; 15th, 17th, 30th, and 32d Va. AriiUery, Dearing's (Va.) battery,
Fauquier (Va.) Art (Stribliug's battery), Richmond (Fayette) Art.
(Macon's battery).
Hood's Division, Maj.-Gen. John B. Hood i— Law's Brigade, Brig.-
Gen. E. M. Law ; 4th and 44th Ala, ; 6th and 64th N. C. (Col. J. C. 8.
McDowell) ; 57th N. C, Col. A. C. Goodwin. Robertson's Brigade, Brig.-
Gen. J. B. Rol)ertson ; 3d Ark. ; Ist, 4th, and 5th Tex. Anderson's Bri-
gade, Brig.-Gen. George T. Anderson ; 1st (Regulars), 7th, 8th, 9th, and
11th Ga. Toonibs's BtHgade, Col. H. L. Benuing; 2d, 16th, 17th, and
20th Ga. Artillery, German (S.C.) Art (Bachman's battery). Palmetto
(8. C.) Light Art (Garden's battery), Rowan (N. C.) Art (Reilly's
battery).
Ransom's Division, Brig.-Gen. Robert Ransom, Jr. :— Ransom's Bri"
gade, Brig.-Gen. Robert Rixnsom, Jr. ; 24th, 26th (Lieut-Col. Samuel C.
Bryson), 3oth, and 49th N. C. ; Branch's (Va.) battery. Cooke's Bri-
gade, (1) Brig.-Gen. J. R Cooke, (2) Col. E. D. Hall ; 16th N. C. ; 27th
N. C, Col. John A. Gilmer, Jr. ; 46th N. C, Col. E. D. Hall ; 48th N. C,
Lieut.-Col. Samuel H. Walkup ; Cooper's (Va.) battery.
First Corps ArtilIjKBY :*— Washington {La,) Artillery, C6L J. B.
* Not assigned to divisions.
, BATTLE OF FREDEKICKSBURG. 319
Walton ; Ist Co., Capt. C. W. Squires ; 2(1 Co., Capt. J. B. Richardson ;
3ci Co., Capt. M. B. Miller ; 4th Co., Capt. B. F. Eshleman. Alexander's
Battalion^ Lieut.-Col. E. Portvr Alexander ; Bedford (Va.) Art., Capt.
Tyler C. Jordan ; Eubank^s (Va.) battery, Capt. J. L. Eubank ; Madison
Light Art. (La.), Capt. Geo. V. Moody ; Parker^s (Va.) battery, Capt.
William W. Parker ; Rhett^s (S. C.) battery, Capt. A. B. Rhett ; Wool-
folk\s (Va.) battery, Capt. P. Woolfolk, Jr.
8ecx)nd Corps, Lieuten ant-General Thomas J. Jackson.
D. H. HiLL^s Division, Maj.-Gen. Daniel H. Hill :— First Brigade,
Brig.-Gen. R E. Rodes ; 3d, 6th, 6th, 12th, and 26th Ala. Second {Bip-
ley's) Brigade, Brig.-Gen. George Doles ; 4th Ga. ; 44th Ga., Col. John B.
Estes ; 1st and 3d N. C. Third Brigade, Brig.-Gen. A. H. Colquitt ; 13th
Ala. ; 6th, 23d, 27th, and 28th Ga. Fourth Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Alfred
Iverson ; 5th, 12th, 20th, and 23d N. C. Fifth (Ramseur's) Brigade, Col.
Bryan Grimes ; 2d, 4th, 14th, and 30th N. C. Artillery, Maj. H. P.
Jones; Hardaway's (Ala.) battery, Jeff Davis (Ala.) Art. (Bondurant's
battery). King William (Va.) Art. (Carter's battery), Morris (Va.) Art.
(Page's battery), Orange (Va.) Art. (Fry's battery).
A. P. Hill's Division, Maj.-Gen. Ambrose P. Hill :— First (Field's)
Brigade^ Col. J. M. Brockenbrough ; 40th, 47th (Col. Robert M. Mayo),
55th, and 22d Va. Battn., Lieut.-Col. E. P. Tayloe. Second Brigade, (1).
Brig.-Gen. Maxcy Gregg, (2) Col.D. H. HamilU)n ; 1st 8. C. (P. A.), Col.
D. H. Hamilton ; 1st S. C. Rifles ; 12th, 13th, and 14th S. C. (Col. Samuel
McGowan). Third Brigade, Brig.-Gen. E. L. Thomas ; 14th, 3oth, 45th,
and 49th Ga. Fourth Brigade, Brig.-Gen. J. H. Lane ; 7th N. C, Lieut.-
Col. J. L. Hill ; 18th N. C, Col. Thomas J. Purdie ; 28th N. C, Col. 8. D.
Lowe ; 33d N. C, Col. Clark M. Avery ; 37th N. C, Col. W. M. Barbour.
Fifth Brigade, Brig.-Gen. J. J. Archer ; 5th Ala. Battn., Maj. A. 8. Van
de Graaff, Capt. 8. D. Stewart ; 19th Ga., Lieut.-Col. A. J. Hutehins ; 1st
Tenn. (Pro. Army), Col. Peter Turney, Lieut.-Col. N.J. George, Capt. M.
Turney, Capt. H. J. Hawkins ; 7th Tenn., Col. John F. Goodner ; 14th
Tenn., Lieut.-Col. J. W. Lookert. Sixth Brigade, (1) Brig.-Gen. William
D. Pender, (2) Col. A. M. Scales; 13th N. C, Col. A. M. Scales; 16th
N. C, Col. John 8. McElroy ; 22d N. C, Maj. Christopher C. Cole ; 34tli
and 38th N. C. Artillery, Lieut.-Col. R. L. Walker ; Branch (N. C.)
Art., Lieut. J. R. Potts ; Crenshaw (Va.) Batt., Lieut. J. Ellett ; Fred-
ericksburg (Va.) Art., Lieut. E. A. Marye ; Johnson's (Va.) battery, Lieut.
V. J. Clutter ; Letcher (Va.) Art., Capt. G. Davidson ; Pee Dee (8. C.)
Art., Capt. D. G. Mcintosh ; Purcell (Va.) Art., Capt. W. J. Pegram.
Ewell's Division, Bi-ig.Gen. Jubal A. Early x—Lawton's Brigade,
(1) Col. E. N. Atkinson, (2) Col. C. A. Evans ; 13th Ga., Col. J. M. Smith ;
26th Ga., Capt. B. F. Grace ; 3l8t Ga., Col. C. A. Evans ; 38th Ga., Capt.
William L. McLeod ; 60th Ga., Col. W. H. Stiles ; 61st Ga., Col. J. H.
Lamar, Maj. C. W. McArthur. THmble's Brigade, Col. R. F. Hoke ;
16th Ala. ; 12th Ga. ; 2l8t Ga., Lieut-Col. Thomas W. Hooper ; 21st
N. C. and Ist N. C. Battn. Early's Brigade, Col. J. A. Walker; 13th
Va,, Lieut.-Col. J. B. Terrill ; 25th, 3l8t, 44th, 49th, 62d, and 68th Va.
Hays's {1st La,) Brigade,Qen. Harry T. Hays; 6th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and
9th La. Artillery^ Capt J. W. Latimer ; Charlottesville (Va.) Art., Capt
320 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
J. McD. Carrington ; Chesapeake (Md.) Art., Lieut. John E. Plater;
Courtney (Va.) Art., Lieut. W. A. Tanner ; 1st Md. Batt., Capt. William
F. Dement ; La. Guard Art., Capt Louis K. D'Aquin ; iStauutou (Va.)
Art., Lieut. Asher W. Garher.
Jackson^s Division, Brig.-Gen. William B. Taliaferro i—IHrst Bri-
gade, Brig.-Gen. E. F. Paxton ; 2d Va., Capt. J. Q. A. Nadeul>ou8cli ;
'4tli Va., Lieut. Col. U. D. Gardner, Maj. William Terry ; 5tli Va., Lieut.-
Col. H. J. Williams ; 27th Va., Lieut.-Col. J. K. Etlmondson ; 33d Va.,
Col. Edwin G. Lee. Second Brigade, Brig.-Gen. J. R. Jones; 21st, 42d,
and 48th Va. ; 1st Va. Battn. Third (Taliaferro' a) Brigade, Col. E. T.
H. Warren ; 471 h Ala., Capt. James M. Campbell ; 48th Ala., Capt. C. B.
St. John ; 10th Va., Capt. W. B. Yancey ; 23d Va., Capt. A. J. Richard-
son ; 37th Va., Col. T. V. Williams. Fourth (Starke's) Brigade, Col.
Edmund Pendleton ; 1st La. (Vols.), Lieut.-Col. M. Nolan ; 2d La,, Maj.
M. A. Grogan ; 10th La., Maj. John M. Legett ; 14th La., Capt. H. M.
Verlander ; 15th La., Lieut.-Col. McG.Goodwyn ; Coppen8*s(La.) Battn.
Artillery, Capt. J. B. Brockenbrough ; Carpenter's (Va.) battery, Lieut.
George McKendree ; Danville (Va.) Art., Capt. G. W. Wooding ; Hami)-
den (Va.) Art, Capt. W. H. Caskie ; Lee (Va.) Art., Lieut. C. W. Statham ;
Lusk's (Va,) battery.
Reserve Artillery,* Brig.-Gen. W. N. Pendleton :— Brown's Bat-
talion, Col. J. Thompson Brown ; Brooke's (Va.) battery, Dance's battery,
Powhatan Art., Hupp's battery, Salem Art., Poague's (Va,) battery,
Rockbridge Art., Smith's battery, 3d Howitzers ; Watson's battery, 2d
Howitzers. Cutts's (Ga,) Battalion, Lane's battery, Patterson's battery,
Ross's battery, Capt. H. M. Ross. Nelson's Battalion, Maj. William
Nelson ; Klrkpatrick's ( Va.) battery, Amherst Art. ; Massie's (Va.) bat-
tery, Fluvanna Art. ; Milledge's (Ga,) battery. Miscellaneous Batteries,
Ells's (Ga.) battery ; Nelson's (Va.) battery, Hanover Art., Capt. G. W.
Nelson ; Breathed (Va.) battery, J. Breathed ; Chew's (Va.) battery,
R. P. Chew ; Hart's (S. C.) battery, J. F. Hart ; Henry's (Va.) battery,
M. W. Henry ; Moorman's (Va.) battery, M. N. Moorman.
Cavalry,! Maj.-Gen. James E. B. Stuart :—i^*>«< Brigade,* Brig.-
Gen. Wade Hampton ; 1st N. C, Col. L. S. Baker ; Ist S. C, Col. J. L.
Black ; 2d S. C, Col. M. C. Butler ; Cobb (Ga.) Legion, Lieut.-Col. P. M.
B. Young ; Phillips's (Ga.) Legion, Lieut.-CV)l. William W. Rich. Second
Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Fitzhugh Lee; 1st Va., Col. James H. Drake; 2<l
Va., Col. Thomas T. Munford ; 3d Va., Col. T. H. Owen ; 4th Va., Col.
William C. Wickham ; 5th Va. Third Brigade, Brig.-Gen. W. H. F.
* Majors Garnett, Hamilton, and T. J. Page, Jr., are mentioned in the
reports as commanding artillery battalions, but their composition is not
stated.
t Organization of brigades as established November 10, 1862. On
roster for December 16, 1862, Hart's, Breathed's, Moorman's, and Chew's
batteries appear as attached, respectively, to the First, Second, Third,
and Fourth Brigades. Commanders are given as reported December 16,
1862.
J Detachment on raid to Dumfries.
BATTLE OF FUEDERICKSBURG. 321
Lee ; 2d N. C, Col. 8. Williams ; 9tb Va., Col. R. L. T. Bealo ; lOth Va..
Col. J. Lucius Davis ; 13lh Va., Col. J. R ChauibliKs, Jr. ; 151h Va., Col.
William B. Ball. Fourth Brigade* Brig.-Geu. W. E. Jones ; 6th Va.,
CoL John 8. Green ; 7th Va., Col. R H. Dulany ; 12th Va., CoL A. W.
Harman ; 17th (Va.) Battn., Lleut.-Col. O. R Funsten ; White's (Va.)
Battn., Maj. E. V. White.
For the organization of the Union Array at the battle
of Fredericksburg, see Appendix, p. 660.
* In the 8henandoah Valley.
CHAPTER XXIV.
PREPARING FOR THE SPRING OF '63.
Burnside's Abortive Moves— The *' Mud Mareh*^ — General Hooker
Hupersedes Burnside — The Confederates strengthen their Position for
the Winter — Longstreet ordered to Petersburg— Secretary of War
Sc^ddon and tlie Author talk of General Grant and the Confederate
Situation on the Mississippi and in the West— Longstreet makes a
Radical Proposition for Confederate Concentration in Tennessee,
thus to compel Grant to al>andon Vicksburg— The Skilful Use of
Interior Lines the Only Way of equalizing the Contest— Battle
of Chancellorsville, Lee's Brilliant Achievement— Criticism— Death
of " Stonewall*' Jackson— The Resolve to march Northward— The
Army reorganized in Three Corps— Ewell and A. P. Hill appointed
Lieutenant-Generals.
Before we were fully settled in our winter quarters,
and when just beginning to enjoy our camp theatricals,
we heard that General Burnside was looking for another
crossing by the lower Rappahannock. We were not
greatly concerned about that, however, as we thought the
quicksands along the flats, made especially protective by
the winter rains, would so delay his march as to allow us
ample time to prepare for him. But the Washington
authorities having received reports of it through some
of the superior officers of the Army of the Potomac, the
march was arrested by orders of the War Department.
Another move was set on foot a few weeks later, at a
time when General Lee happened to be in Richmond.
The information was forwarded to him and the army or-
dered under arms, prepared to take the field. A few
weeks before, General Burnside had ordered material to be
hauled to the point below, which he had chosen when pre-
paring for his crossing that had been arrested by the War
Department. When we found that his army was in motion,
General Jackson insisted that the crossing would be made
322
IMIEPAIIINO roll THE SPUIXG OF Ta 323
below, and proposed to march his corps down to meet it.
He was told that the neck of land between the Potomac
and the Rappahannock was so interlaced with wet-weather
streams and ravines that the route leading below was not
practicable at that season ; that the quicksands on the flats
of the west side were formidable obstacles to the march
of an army ; that the only possible route for crossing the
river was by the fords of the highlands, and that he must
hold his troops ready to move accordingly. He was
not satisfied with the refusal to accept his construction of
the enemy's purpose, and demurred against authority
less than General Lee's, but found that the order must be
obeyed.
Not many hours after the report came, the noise of
the army working through the mud was distinctly heard
by my picket guards along the upper river. Some
of the guards called out derisively, offering help to get
the batteries through the mud if they could only be
assured that the army would cross. The bottomless roads
and severe weather broke up the campaign, and the move
back to camp was reported to me before the Confederates
marched from their camps. This effort, called by Burn-
side's soldiers " The Mud March," was followed by the
assignment of General Hooker to command of the Army
of the Potomac.
Long and close study of the field from the Potomac to
the James River, and the experiences of former campaigns,
made it clear that the Army of the Potomac had been
drawn into a false position, and it became manifest that
there were but two moves left open for its spring cam-
paign,— first, by crossing the upper fords of the Rap-
pahannock ; secondly, by detaching forces to the south
side of the James, and by that route moving against
Richmond.
To guard against the former I laid out lines for field-
works and rifle-pits covering all approaches by the upper
324 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
fords as far as the road leading from United States Ford.
From that point the line broke to the rear, crossing the
Plank road and extending back half a mile to command
the road from Chancellorsville to Spottsylvania Court-
House. When the lines for these works were well marked,
I was ordered, with the divisions x)f Hood and Pickett
and Bearing's and Henry's artillery battalions, to the south
side near Petersburg, to be in position to meet the latter
move, leaving the divisions of McLaws and R. H. An-
derson to finish the work on the lines of defence.
After passing to the south side of James River, assign-
ing the troops to points of observation near Blackwater
River, and establishing head-quarters at Petersburg, I
learned that there was a goodly supply of produce along
the east coast of Virginia and North Carolina, inside the
military lines of the Federal forces. To collect and trans-
port this to accessible points for the Confederates, it was
necessary to advance our divisions so as to cover the
country, and to hold the Federal forces in and about their
fortified positions while our trains were at work. To that
end I moved with the troops in Virginia across the Black-
water to close lines about the forts around Suflfblk, and
ordered the troops along our line in North Carolina to a
like advance. The movements were executed without
serious trouble, and the work was prosecuted up to the
time of my recall by General Lee.
While lying near Suffolk a couple of young men dressed
as citizens entered my tent one night with letters from
Secretary of War Seddon, recommending them as trust-
worthy and efficient scouts. They were sent off through
the swamp to find their way to Norfolk and southward to
report of roads or routes for our troops in case we should
wish to make a detour for the capture of Suffolk. One
of them, Harrison, proved to be an active, intelligent, en-
terprising scout, and was retained in service.
The accounts that we gained indicated that Suffolk
PREPARING FOR THE SPRING OF '63. 325
could be turned and captured with little loss, but as we
had given it up the year before as untenable, and were
liable to be called upon at any moment to give it up
again, it appeared that the " cost of the whistle" would be
too high.
The only occurrence of serious moment while we had
our forces about Suffolk was the loss of Captain Stribling's
battery, which had been inadvertently posted by the ofl&cer
in charge of the artillery on a neck running out into a
bend of the Nansemond River. The Federal gun-boats,
seeing the opportunity, came into the river and took posi-
tions commanding the neck in rear of the battery so as
to sweep the field against all succoring parties, and cut
off retreat while direct attack was made upon our battery,
resulting in its capture.
About this time the soldiers on both sides had consider-
able amusement over a Federal signal station that was
inside our lines as we had laid them. The Union troops
had some time previously trimmed up a tall pine-tree
and built near the top a platform for use as a signal sta-
tion, and, coming upon this, to gratify his curiosity a Con-
federate soldier climbed to the staging and seated himself
for a leisurely view of the Federal forces inside their
works. An artillerist of the other side, after allowing
sufficient time to satisfy a reasonable curiosity, trained one
of his rifle guns upon the platform, and sent a shell
screaming and bursting too near for the comfort of the
" man up a tree." As he did not care to be seen in pre-
cipitate retreat, he thought to wait a little, but a second
shot admonished him that hurry, if less graceful, might
be more wise than deliberate retreat. Acting under press-
ure of the situation, his legs, to the amusement of the men
on both sides, soon brought him to safe cover. When night
closed in over the belligerents this soldier went to work on
a scheme by which he hoi)ed to get even with the Yankees.
He carefully constructed and equipped a full-sized man,
320 FFwOM 3IANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
dressed in a new suit of improved ** butternut" * dry-goods,
and, in due form christening him " Julius Ciesar," took
him to the platform, adjusted him to graceful position, and
made him secure to the framework by strong cords. A
little after sunrise " Julius Csesar" was discovered by some
of the Federal battery officers, who prepared for the
target, — so inviting to skilful practice. The new soldier
sat under the hot fire with irritating indifference until the
Confederates, not able to restrain their hilarity, exposed
the joke by calling for " three cheers for Julius Csesar."
The other side quickly recognized the situation, and good-
naturedly added to ours their cheers for the old hero.
About the 28th day of April the Army of the Potomac,
under General Hooker, took uj) it« march for the fords of
the upper Rappahannock to cross against General Lee at
Fredericksburg. At the same time General Grant crossed
the Mississippi below Vicksburg, marched against General
Pemberton's army in Mississippi, and was driving it back
upon its fortifications about Vicksburg.
When General Hooker's movements were so developed
as to make sure of his purpose, repeated calls came to
me over the wires to pull away from Suffolk and return
to General Lee with all speed. These came from General
Lee, and also from the Richmond authorities. In reply I
despatched that our trains were at the front along the
coast collecting supplies ; that they would be hurried
to our rear, and as soon as safe we would march. The
calls became so frequent an»d urgent, however, that I in-
quired if we should abandon our trains. To this no
answer came ; and I was left to the exercise of my own
judgment.
As soon as the trains were safely back, we drew off,
marched back to the Blackwater, and thence en route for
* The Confederate dry-g<M)(ls factories, for want of other dye-stiiff«,
liad long before this resorted to the use of the butternut coloring.
PREPAKING FOR THE SPRING OF •«.'^. '?27
Richmond and Fredericksburg. Before we reached the
former place a telegram came announcing the great battle
and victory of Chancellorsville.
Passing through Richmond, I allied to report to Sec-
retary of War Seddon, who referred to affairs in Missis-
sijipi, stating that the department was trying to collect an
army at Jackson, under General Joseph E. Johnston,
sufficient to push Grant away from his circling lines about
Vicksburg. He spoke of the difficulty of feeding as well
as collecting an army of that magnitude in Mississippi,
and asked my views.
The Union army under General Rosecrans was then
facing the Confederate army under General Bragg in
Tennessee, at Murfreesboro' and Shelbyville.
I tliouffht that General Grant had better facilities for
collecting supplies and reinforcements on his new lines,
and suggested that the only prospect of relieving Vicks-
burs: that occurred to me was to send General Johnston
and his troops about Jackson to reinforce General Bragg's
army ; at the same time the two divisions of my command,
then marching to join General Lee, to the same point ; that
the commands moving on converging lines could have rapid
transit and be thrown in overwhelming numbers on Rose-
crans before he could have help, break up his army, and
march for Cincinnati and the Ohio River ; that Grant's
was the only army that could be drawn to meet this
move, and that the move must, therefore, relieve Vicks-
burg.
It was manifest before the war was accepted that the
only way to equalize the contest was by skilful use of our
interior lines, and this was so impressed by two years'
experience that it seemed time to force it upon the Rich-
mond authorities. But foreign intervention was the
ruling idea with the President, and he preferred that as
the easiest solution of all problems.
The only objection o^ered by the Secretary was that
;>28 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Grant was such an obstinate fellow that he could only be
induced to quit Vicksburg by terribly hard knocks.
On the contrary, I claimed that lie was a soldier^ and
would obey the calls of his government, but was not lightly
to be driven from his purpose.
My march was continued, and we joined General Lee
at Fredericksburg, where I found him in sadness, notwith-
standing that he was contemplating his great achievement
and brilliant victory of Chancellorsville, for he had met
with great loss as well as great gains. The battle had cost
heavily of his army, but his grief was over the severe
wounding of his great lieutenant. General Thomas Jona-
than Jackson, the head of the Second Corps of the Army
of Northern Virginia ; cut off, too, at a moment so much
needed to finish his work in the battle so handsomely
begun. With a brave heart, however, General Lee was
getting his ranks together, and putting them in condition
for other useful work.
At the time of the battle of Chancellorsville the Army
of the Potomac, according to its return of a few days before,
consisted of ofl&cers and men actually available for line
of battle, 113,838, with 404 pieces of artillery.* The
return of casualties showed the enormous loss of 17,287.
Returns of the Army of Northern Virginia for March,
1863, showed an effective aggregate of 59,681 ; f batteries
in action, about 160 guns. To this may possibly be d^dded
one thousand of troops returning during April in time for
the battle. The casualties reported by the medical direc-
tor numbered 10,281, but reports of the commanders
showed over 12,000, not including artillery or cavalry, or
slightly wounded and missing, which would probably add
another thousand.
Chancellorsville is usually accepted as General Lee's
most brilliant achievement, and, considered as an indepen-
* Rebellion Becord, vol. xxv. part ii. p. 320.
t Ibid., p. 696.
Wl
iif ^
.nil
u
/I
' ' ^ .
PREPARING FOR THE SPRING OF '63. 329
dent affair, it was certainly grand. As I had no part in
its active conduct, it is only apropos to this writing to
consider the plan of battle as projected some four months
previous, — i.e., to stand behind our intrenched lines and
await the return of my troops from Suffolk.
Under that plan General Lee would have had time to
strengthen and improve his trenches, while Hooker was
intrenching at Chancellorsville. He could have held his
army solid behind his lines, where his men would have
done more work on the unfinished lines in a day than in
months of idle camp life.
General Hooker had split his army in two, and was vir-
tually in the condition which President Lincoln afterwards
so graphically described in his letter addressed to him
June 5 following, — viz. :
'^I would not take any risk of being entangled upon the river,
like an ox jumped half over a fence and liable to be torn by dogs
front and rear, without a fair chance to gore one way or to kick
the other.''
My impression was, and is, that General Lee, standing
under his trenches, would have been stronger against
Hooker than he was in December against Burnside, and
that he would have grown stronger every hour of delay,
while Hooker would have grown weaker in morale and
in confidence of his plan and the confidence of his troops.
Lee had interior lines for defence, while his adversary was
divided by two crossings of the river, which made Lee's
sixty thousand for defence about equal to the one hundred
and thirteen thousand under General Hooker. By the
time that the divisions of Pickett and Hood could have
joined General Lee, General Hooker would have found
that he must march to attack or make a retreat without
battle. It seems probable that under the original plan
the battle would have given fruits worthy of a general
engagement. The Confederates would then have had
330 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
opportunity, aud have been in condition to so follow
Hooker as to have compelled his retirement to Washing-
ton, and that advantage might have drawn Grant from
Vicksburg ; whereas General Lee wiis actually so crippled
by his victory that he was a full month restoring his army
to condition to take the iic^Ul. In defensive warfare Lee
was perfect. When the hunt was up, his combat ivenes.s
was overruling.
It was probably a mistake to draw McLaws away from
his position at Marye's Hill, where he and Ransom had
successfully held against six or seven severe attacks of the
Burnside battle, with three brigades, two of his own and
one of Ransom's. General Early wjis assigned to that
, position with five brigades. He was attacked by about
one-fourth the number of McLaws's assailants, the posi-
tion was carried, and Early was driven oft* in confusion,
losing, besides large numbers as i)risoners, many pieces of
artillery. His especial assignment was to defend the Plank
road against the enemy's march to attack General Lee's
rear. Instead, he retreated by the Telegraph road, leav-
ing the Plank road free for the enemy. After driving
Early off*, the enemy marched by the Plank road, and
Early marched back to his late position at Marye's Hill.
So General Lee was obliged to take McLaws and Ander-
son from his battle at Chancellorsville to drive back the
force threatening his rear.
The battle as pitched and as an independent affair was
brilliant, and if the war was for glory could be called
successful, but, besides putting the cause upon the hazard
of a die, it was crippling in resources and of future prog-
ress, w^hile the wail of a few days would have given time
for concentration and opportunities against Hooker more
effective than we experienced with Burnside at Freder- .
icksburg. This was one of the occasions wdiere success
was not a just criterion.
After reporting to General Lee, I offered the sugges-
PREPARING FOR THE SPRING OF '(\3. ool
tious made to Secretary Seddon, in regard to the means
tliat should be adopted for the relief of Vicksburg. I
thought that honor, interest, duty, and humanity called
us to that service, and asked the aid of his counsels with
the War Department, and reinforcements from his army
for the West, to that end. I suggested that General
Johnston, instead of trying to collect an army against
General Grant, should be sent to reinforce General Bragg,
then standing against tlie Union forces under General
Rosecrans in Middle Tennessee ; that at the same time he
should send my divisions, just up from Suffolk, to join
Johnston's reinforcements to Bragg's army ; that the
combination once made should strike immediately in over-
whelming force upon Rosecrans, and march for the Ohio
River and Cincinnati.
He recognized the suggestion as of good combina-
tion, and giving strong assurance of success, but he was
averse to having a part of his army so far beyond his
reach. He reflected over the matter one or two days, and
then fell upon the plan of invading the Northern soil, and
so threatening Washington as to bring about the same
hoped-for result. To that end he bent his energies.
His plan or wishes announced, it became useless and
improper to offer suggestions leading to a different course.
All that I could ask w^as that the policy of the campaign
should be one of defensive tactics ; that we should work
so as to force the enemy to attack us, in such good position
as we might find in his own country, so well adapted to
that purpose, — which might assure us of a grand triumph.
To this he readily assented as an imix)rtant and material
adjunct to his general plan. His confidence in making
moves threatening Washington and the invasion of Mary-
land and Pennsylvania grew out of the known anxiety
of the Washington authorities as to the safety of their
capital and of quiet within the Union lines.
In the midst of his work of preparation came the an-
332 FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
nouncement that General Jackson's trouble had taken an
unfortunate turn, that he was thought to be sinking, and
not many hours after that the news came that he had gone
to rest. But the full realization of all that this meant
was delayed until, at the railroad station, the train that
was to bear his remains to their final resting-place started
upon its sad journey. Then officers and soldiers gath-
ered to do last honors to their dead comrade and chieftain
seemed suddenly to realize that they were to see " Stone-
wall" Jackson no more forever, and fully to measure the
great misfortune that had come upon them. And as we
turned away, we seemed to face a future bereft of much
of its hopefulness.
General Jackson's death suggested to General Lee a
reorganization of his army into three corps, and R. S.
Ewell and A. P. Hill, appointed lieutenant-generals, were
assigned to the Second and Third respectively.
As the senior major-general of the army, and by reason
of distinguished services and ability. General Ewell w^as
entitled to the command of the Second Corps, but there
were other major-generals of rank next below Ew^ell whose
services were such as to give them claims next after
Ewell's, so that when they found themselves neglected
there was no little discontent, and the fact that both the
new lieutenant-generals were Virginians made the trouble
more grievous.* Afterwards, when Early, noted bs the
weakest general officer of the Army of Northern Virginia,
was appointed lieutenant-general over those who held
higher rank than he, there was a more serious feeling of
" too much Virginia." Longstreet and Jackson had been
assigned by General Johnston.
In our anxious hours and hopeful anticipations the little
* General D. H. HiU was next in rank to (General EweU. He was the
hero of Bethel, Seven Pines, South Mountain, and tlie liardest fighter
at Sharpsbiirg. His reeonl was as good as tliat of "Stonewall" Jack-
son, but, not being a Virginian, he was not so well advertised.
PRKPAUIXO FOR THE SPRING OF \^^. 333
quarrel was soon lost sight of, — displaced by affairs of
greater moment. Reaction began to show the effect of
General Lee's strong hand and hard work. Hope and
confidence impaired by the faihire of the Maryland cam-
paign were restored, and we prepared to abandon all
uncomfortable thoughts wuth the graves of our fallen
comrades.
As soon as affairs took such shape as to assure me that
the advance northward was inevitable, I sent a requisition
down to Richmond for gold coin for my scout Harrison,
gave him what he thought he would need to get along in
Washington, and sent him off wuth secret orders, telling
him that I did not care to see him till he could bring
information of importance, — that he should be the judge
of that. He wanted to know where he would find us, and
was told that tlie head-quarters of the First Corps were
large enough for any intelligent man to find. With these
ordei's he left us, and after about three weeks was arrested
in Pennsylvania and brought under guard to my head-
quarters.
CHAPTER XXV.
INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Plan of the Confederate March North— General Lee hojied to draw
Troops from the South and develop Important Results North of the
Potomac— He wanted Beauregard sent to support the Movement—
The Authorities in Richmond failed to comprehend— The Value of
the ** Interior Lines" not appreciated— Spirited Cavalry Fight at
Brandy Station between Stuart's and Pleasonton's Commands— En-
gagement of Ewell and Milroy at Winchester— The Question of Au-
thority for tlie Cavalry Movements -Lieutenant-Colonel Fremantle
of the Coldstream Guards, British Army, as a Guest and Observer
—The Confederate Advance reaches Pennsylvania Soil— General Live
issues Orders for a March on Harrisburg — Municipal Authorities of
York and Gettysburg surrender to General John B. Gordon.
The absorbing study now was the projected campaign
into Maryland and Pennsylvania, — the invasion of the
enemy's country. The plan of defensive tactics gave
some hope of success, and, in fact, I assured General Lee
that the First Corps would receive and defend the battle
if he would guard its flanks, leaving his other corps to
gather the fruits of success. The First Corps was as solid
as a rock — a great rock. It was not to be broken of good
position by direct assault, and was steady enough to work
and wait for its chosen battle.
The Valley of the Shenandoah gave us firm, broad
roads for the march north, curtained by the solid range
of the Blue Ridge and South Mountains. There were
some Federal troops occupying points in the Valley of
Virginia, but not more than enough to give healthful em-
ployment to our leading columns as they advanced. The
army as reorganized in three corps had three divisions of
each corps, with four brigades to the division, except R.
H. Anderson's, Pickett's, and Rodes's, each of which had
five. J. E. B. Stuart's cavalry consisted of the brigades
834
INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA. oSi)
of Wade Hampton, Filzluigh Lee, W. II. F. Lee, Bev-
erly Rohertson, and W. E. Jones. Tlu» eavalry of Jen-
kins and Lnboden, operating in tlie Vallev and West Vir-
ginia near our route, was to move, the former witli Ewell,
the latter on his left. Six batteries of horse artillery
under Major R. F. Beekham were of Stuart's eommand,
and to each army corps were attached five battalions of
artillery of four guns to a battery, and four batteries to a
battalion, making of the whole artillery organization, in-
cluding batteries of reserve and the thirty guns of horse
artillery, two hundred and eighty-seven guns. In the
three army corps there were thirty-nine brigades, proper,
of infantry.
In the Army of the Potomac WTre fifty-one brigades
of infantry, eight brigades of cavalry, and three hun-
dred and seventy guns of artillery. The artillery ap-
l)ointments were so superior that our officers sometimes
felt humiliated when posted to unequal combat with their
better metal and munitions. In small-arms also the
Union troops had the most improved styles.
Notwithstanding, we were prepared to march forward
and cheerfully accept the gage, hoping to overbalance
these advantages through the morale afforded by brave
hearts, and by strategic skill to throw the onus of battle
upon the enemy.
The plan of campaign as jirojected was by the march
of the Second Corps through the Valley of the Shenan-
doah to drive off or capture the Federal forces stationed
along the Valley, and continue the march to Pennsylva-
nia until further orders, meanwhile collecting supplies for
the advance and for those who were to follow, Jenkins's
brigade of cavalry working wuth the advance, and Im-
boden's on its left ; the First Corps and main force of
cavalry to march near the east base of the Blue Ridge,
threatening towards the rear line of the Army of the
Potomac, and ocTupy the Blue Ridge, wdiilethe trains and
080 FRO:\r MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
other troops passed behind the nioimtains to follow the
advance march. Stuart's cavalry brigades were to ob-
serve betw^een the First Corps and the Union army.
When the Third Corps had passed behind the First, the
latter and the cavalry were to withdraw and follow the
general march. Stuart, whose movements were to corre-
spond to those of the First Corps, was to follow its with-
drawal and cross the Potomac on our right flank at Shep-
herdstown. The brigades of Generals M. Jenkins and
M. D. Corse of Pickett's division, left in Virginia near
Petersburg and Hanover Junction, were to follow and join
their division, as will soon appear.
General Beauregard was to be called from his post, in
the South, with such brigades as could be pulled away
temporarily from their Southern service, and thrown for-
ward, with the two brigades of Pickett's division (Jenkins's
and Corse's) and such others as could be got together,
along the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in threatening
attitude towards Washington City, and he was to suddenly
forw^ard Pickett's brigades through the Valley to the di-
vision, and at his pleasure march on, or back towards
Richmond.
As the season of fevers along the coast of the Carolinas
was approaching. General Lee thought that active opera-
tions in the far South, especially along the seaboard, would
be suspended, that his move northward might draw most
of them towards him, and possibly troops operating in
the Southwest, the latter being really the prominent feat-
ure and object of his northern march. He thought that
Beauregard's appearance in Northern Virginia would in-
crease the known anxiety of the Washington authorities
and cause them to draw troops from the South, when in
the progress of events other similar movements might
follow on both sides until important results could be de-
veloped north of the Potomac.
His early experience with the Richmond authorities
INVASTOy OF PEXX8YLVAXIA. o37
taught him to deal cautiously with them in disclosing his
views, and to leave for them the privilege and credit of
approving, step by step, his apparently hesitant policy,
so tliat his plans were disclosed little at a time ; and, find-
ing them slow in approving them, still slower in advancing
the brigades of Pickett's division, and utterly oblivious of
the effect of a grand swing north on our interior lines, he
did not mention the part left open for Beauregard until
he had their approval of the march of the part of his
command as he held it in hand. The part assigned for
Beauregard became the subject for correspondence be-
tween the authorities and the oflScers who knew nothing
of the general ideas and plans. The latter failed to see
any benefit to accrue by taking troops from their com-
mands, and naturally offered objections to their going.
The authorities, not comprehending the vast strength to
be gathered by utilizing our interior lines, failed to bring
about their execution, and the great possibility was not
fully tested.
In pursuance of the plan for the northern campaign
our march was taken up on Wednesday, the 3d of June,
McLaws's division of the First Corps marching on that
date from Fredericksburg, and Hood's from near Orange
Court-House on the 4th ; Rodes's division of the Second
Corps followed, and on the 5th Johnson's and Early's of
the Second. Pickett of the First, with three of his bri-
gades, followed the course of Hood's division. All were
to assemble at Culpeper Court-House, near our cavalry
head-quarters. The Third Corps, General A. P. Hill,
was left in observation of the enemy at Fredericksburg.
When General Hooker discovered the thinning of our
camps in rear of Fredericksburg, he put a bridge across
the Rappahannock at Deep Run, crossed a considerable
force of artillery and infantry, and constructed a line of
rifle-pits along the river bank. At the report of these
movements, General Lee thought to delay the movements
22
388 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
of the Second Corps, though he hurried those of the First
to draw oft* the Federals from action against Hill, but
holding the Second ready to go back to him should there
be need. Hill made a similar demonstration against
Hooker, threatening on the river below, though not so
far as to cross it, which caused the Federals to draw their
troops from the south side. The Second Corps was then
hurried on to Culpeper Court-House.
The First and Second Corps waited at the court-house to
know if indications about Fredericksburg were such as to
warrant the onward march. General Hooker, not con-
vinced that General Lee had left him, ordered his cavalry
under General Pleasonton, supported by two brigades of
infantry, to cross the Rappahannock in search of Stuart's
cavalry, and to secure information of the Confederate
plans. Pleasonton's force, including infantry, was eleven
thousand. He divided his command, sending one half by
Beverley's, the other by Kelly's Ford, to march on con-
verging roads to Brandy Station, near Fleetwood, the
latter point the head-quarters of our cavalry chief, five
miles west of Rappahannock Bridge.
Happily for the Confederates, the cavalry brigades had
been drawn together on the 8th for review by General
Lee, and rested that night not remote from cavalry head-
quarters. On the 9th, Pleasonton's columns made an un-
looked-for advance and engaged the Confederates, before
notice could be sent to the columns at their camps. The
march resulted in a very severe and strongly disputed
cavalry fight, ending in heavy losses on both sides. Gen-
eral Stuart called for infantry supports before the close
of the conflict, but succeeded in recovering his position
before the infantry reached him, — not, however, until some
important despatches were taken by the enemy, which
gave the information they were seeking. Stuart reported
485 officers and men lost ; Pleasonton, 907, and three
pieces of artillery. On the 10th, Ewell took up his
INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA. 339
march for the Valley by Chester Gap. Now, General
Milroy had a division of nine thousand Federals at Win-
chester, and sought to hold it contrary to his orders to
retire to the command at Harper's Ferry. He had a bri-
gade on outpost at Berryville under McReynolds. Gen-
eral Kelly had ten thousand men at Harper's Ferry, with
a strong detachment of infantry and a battery at Martins-
burg, under Colonel B. F. Smith.
Upon entering the Valley, General Ewell detached
Rodes's division and Jenkins's cavalry to cut off and cap-
ture the force at Berryville, but McReynolds withdrew
in time to join the forces at Winchester. This Confeder-
ate column then marched for Martinsburg, and got pos-
session there on the 14th, the garrison marching out and
joining the troops on Maryland Heights. The artillery
trying to escape north towards Williamsport was followed
so closely that they lost some three or four guns. With
his divisions under Johnson and Early, General Ewell
marched to Winchester and attacked and carried the out-
works of Milroy's fortified position, when the latter, after
calling a council, decided to retreat, leaving his artillery
and wagon-trains. Ewell had anticipated this, and sent
a part of Johnson's division, one brigade, to intercept him
on the Martinsburg road. The commands met about day-
light, and there ensued a severe engagement, successful to
the Federals till reinforcements came to the Confederates,
when Milroy's command was broken up, part of his troops
escaping to Harper's Ferry and part getting over the
Potomac at Hancock. The Federals at Harper's Ferry
abandoned their position in Virginia, seeking shelter on
the heights on the Maryland side.
On his march through the Valley, General Ewell took
4000 prisoners and small-arms, 25 cannon, 11 standards,
250 wagons, 400 horses, and large quantities of subsistence
and quartermaster's stores, with a loss of 269 of all arms.
He crosBed the Potomac on the 15th, occupying Hagerstown
340 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
and Sharpsburg, on the Maryland side, and sent the
cavalry brigade, under Jenkins, north towards Chambers-
burg.
By the plan of march from the Valley of Virginia the
leading corps (Second) was to divide and cross the Poto-
mac River at Williamsport and Shepherdstown, the
column through Williamsport to march through Hagers-
town and Chambersburg towards Harrisburg, collecting
produce and supplies for the army, Imboden's cavalry on
its left flank. The eastern column was to march through
Sharpsburg, Emmitsburg, and Gettysburg towards the
bridge over the Susquehanna River at Wrightsville, Jen-
kins's cavalry brigade working with the two columns.
The Third Corps, passing behind the Blue Ridge, was to
cross at Shepherdstown and follow the line of the in-
tended march of the eastern column. The First Corps
was to draw back from the Blue Ridge and cross the
Potomac at Williamsport, to be followed by the cavalry,
which was to cross at Shepherdstown and ride severely
towards Baltimore, to call the enemy to eastern concen-
tration.
The object of the march of the eastern columns, besides
opening a wide field for foraging, was to draw the enemy
from the route of travel of our supply trains, and to press
him off east to give opportunity for the western columns
to file in between him and Washington.
Nevertheless, circumstances in novel ways, or by some
freak of favor, or most likely by the interposition of kind
Providence, brought us face to face, save our absent body
of cavalry, to the goal so ardently sought in our deep
work at Fredericksburg. These doubtless disturbed the
mind of our great leader even to discomfiture, which,
with the success of the first day's fight, may have moved
him to make precipitate battle as his safest means of es-
cape. But the situation which led us into Pennsylvania
was unchanged; when we marched we were virtually
IXVASIOX OF PENNSYLVANIA. 341
«
entered upon our last campaign. Our cause wiis plainly
at its climax and the enemy still in power. With that
sense upon us we had resolved upon the desperate move
and should have nerved ourselves to all of its leadings,
especially that which we marched out upon as the most
desirable. The cavalry could easily take care of itself.
If this was not so, why was it so far away and alone?
Besides, we could better help it by keeping the enemy
in an attitude of active defense. It was before us to
strike the blow we had sought, desperate as it was, but
not more so than the march of our army for Northern
soil. In fact, this was, indeed, the happy result that
could not have been anticipated when the cavalry raid
was set on foot, and should have been cheerfully accepted
as a precious gift.
We now know from dispatches from the Union com-
mander that the march of the Confederates around his
left would have broken up his stronghold, and thrown
him off to his supplies at Westminster, and quite cut off
his guard of Washington ; and so far nothing but strong
battles could recover defensive ground. But the question
remained : Was that possible ? The Union troops under
an untried leader, himself sejeking the most effectual
defensive position that might be available, badly worsted
in two previous battles, and in desperate fight for life on
his own soil. Was it possible for him by aggressive
work to have recovered his lost morale, even to successful
aggressive battle over the enemy so swollen by victory
and morale ?
The Army of the Potomac in the entanglements on the
heights of Gettysburg w'as standing for defensive battle,
along its front and sides surrounded by the Army of
Northern Virginia, except its eastern side, leaving the
only open way leading to Westminster. The commander
of the Army of the Potomac wired the authorities on the
afternoon of the 3d, about three o'clock, that he would
342 FROM MAXA8SAS TO APPOMATTOX.
fall back on his supplies at Westminster in the event of
the enemy turning his left. But the (juestion may be
asked, Was such a move possible? The circumstances
certainly did not favor it. A formidable army was
pressing in close observation, but ready to fall upon him
at all points; a strong column was marching alongside
his right flank, ready to attack at the first good oppor-
tunity. It seems hardly possible, therefore, in view of
such an array of circumstances, that the whole army
could have got away in safety. General Lee thought
that we would have destroyed it. McMahon, of the
Franco-German War, in a similar effort to escape lost
his entire army, and Lee, attempting to get away from
Grant at Petersburg, lost his army.
The reconnoissance and cavalry fight made against
Stuart at Fleetwood gave General Hooker conclusive evi-
dence of the march of the Army of Northern Virginia,
and he drew off from Stafford Heights on the 13tli, and
marched towards the Orange and Alexandria Railroad
and the Potomac River. The First Corps was ordered
north along the east base of the Blue Ridge to guard our
line of march and cover, in a measure, the Confederate
plans, Stuart's cavalry to ride between the First Corps
and the Union army. On the 19th the divisions of the
First Corps were posted along the Blue Ridge from
Ashby's Gap on the right to Snicker's Gap on the left,
McLaws at the former. Hood at the latter, Pickett's three
brigades between the others. Under the impression that
the cavalry was to operate with the First Corps, in the
general plan, the commander was ordered to follow its
withdrawal west of the Blue Ridge and cross the Potomac
on its right at Shepherdstown, and make his ride towards
Baltimore. He claimed that General Lee had given him
authority to cross east of the Blue Ridge.
After the First Corps was in position on the Blue Ridge,
and while the Third was passing our rear down the Val-
,m
INVASION OF PENXSYLVAXIA. 343
ley, it seems that General Lee so far modified the plan of
march north as to authorize his cavalry cliief to cross
tlie Potomac with part of his command east of tlie Blue
Ridge, and to change tlie march of the Third Corps by
Hagerstown and Chambersburg. The point at which the
cavalry force should cross the river was not determined
between the Confederate conmiander and his chief of
cavalry, there being doubt whether the crossing could
better be made at Point of Rocks, between the Union
army and the Blue Ridge, or between that army and
Washmgton City. That question was left open, and I
was ordered to choose between the two points named at
the moment that my command took up its line of
march.
The First Corps was withdrawn from the Blue Ridge
on the 20th, forded the Shenandoah, and camped on its
left bank. On the 21st, Pleasonton came, in full force,
supported by infantry, against Stuart's cavalry brigades.
The severe part of the fight came from Upperville, and
succeeded in driving Stuart back into Ashby's Gap. Part
of McLaws's division was sent back in time to support
Stuart, and in the morning McLaws ordered Wofford's
brigade down upon the plain, but Pleasonton had with-
drawn. The infantry was recalled after an exchange of
a few shots at great range.
Connected with the cavalry raid and orders authorizing
it are matters of more than usual interest. On the 22d
the Confederate commander sent unsealed instructions to
his cavalry cliief, through head-quarters of the First
Corps, to be forwarded, provided the cavalry could be
spared from my front and could make the ride without
disclosing our plans, expressing his preference for the
ride through Hopewell Gap east of the Union army.
As previously stated, I was to decide at the last moment
between the two i>oints that had been named. As my
front was changed to the rear for the march north, the
344 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
cavalry could be of no service there. The extent of
authority with me, therefore, was to decide whether
the crossing should be made at the Point of Rocks or
around through Hopewell Gap east of the Union army.
The crossing at Point of Rocks was not only hazardous,
but more likely to indicate our plans than any move that
could be made, leaving the ride through Hopewell Gap
the only route for the raiding party. In my note to Gen-
eral Stuart enclosing General Lee's instructions was this
item :
**P. S. — I think your passage of the Potomac by our rear at
the present moment will, in a measure, disclose our plans. You
had better not leave us, therefore, unless you can take the route
in rear of the enemy."
This has been put in italics and published as evidence
that the raid was made by my orders, as well as by
General Lee's. In the postscript three points are in-
dicated :
First, the move along my rear to the crossing at Point
of Rocks.
Second, my preferred march on my flank to the Shep-
herdstown crossing.
Third, the route indicated by General Lee.
All of which General Stuart understood as well as I.
Especially did he know that my orders to him were that he
should ride on the right of my column^ as oriffinally de-
signed, to the Shepherdstown crossing. In the body of
my note were orders that he should report to me of affairs
along the cavalry line before leaving ; that he should assign
General Hampton to command of the cavalry to be left
with us, with orders to report at my head-quarters. These
orders, emanating properly from the commander of the
rear column of the army, should not have been questioned,
but they were treated with contumely. He assigned
General Robertson to command the cavalry on the moan-
INVASION OF PKNNSY'LVANIA. 345
tain, without orders to report at my head-quarters, left
him there to guard the passes of the Blue Ridge, and rode
with his other troopers. The raid aud the absence of the
cavalry at the critical moment were severely criticised
throughout the army aud the country. If General Stuart
could have claimed the authority of my orders for his
action, he would not have failed to do so in his official
account. He offered no such excuse, but asserted that
he had acted under the authority of his chief, claiming
only, however, that General Lee had given consent to
his proposition. So our plans, adopted after deep study,
were suddenly given over to gratify the youthful cavalry-
man's wish for a nomadic ride.
About this time a distinguished visitor joined us.
An officer of the British service, Lieutenant-Colonel
Arthur J. L. Fremantle, of the Coldstream Guards,
bi'ought letters from the Secretary of War to General
Lee and myself. He was seeking opportunity to observe
the campaign as a non-combatant; he travelled with us,
divided his time between general head-quarters and
head-quarters of the First Corps, cheerfully adapted his
tastes to the rough ways of Confederate soldiers, and
proved to be an interesting companion. To avoid the
blockade he came to the Confederacy through Mexico.
He gave a graphic account of his experience in Texas and
travel after crossing the Rio Grande to the interior in a
two-horse hack. The drivers of his conveyance were Mr.
Sargeant and Judge Hyde, two characters whom I had
met years before while in army service on the Texas
frontier. They called their team Grant and Sherman,
and enjoyed their glorious rides down the smooth slopes
of the prairie roads, as they rattled their heels upon the
box of the hack and plied their team, Grant and Sherman,
with whips and oaths. But the great novelty to him was
the position of the judge. In England there are few
Judges comparatively, and those of high estate. To lind
345a FliOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
an American judge playing a*?i.stant to a haek-tlriver was
refreshing, and Colonel Freniantle thoroughly enjoyed
it. I now have the pleasure to salute our genial war-time
visitor as governor at Malta and Lieutenant-General Sir
Arthur Janies Lyon Freniantle, K.C.M., G.C.B., and to
offer congratulations to Her Most Noble Majesty upon
her worthy subject.
On the 23d of June tlie divisions of the Third Corps
passed on towards the Potomac, followed by those of the
First, the former crossing at Shepherdstown, the latter at
Williamsport. The corps came together at Hagerstown,
in Maryland, continued their march till the 27th, and
rested two days at Chambei-sburg, in Pennsylvania. The
cavalry under General Imboden, ordered on General
EwelFs left, was due as far north as McConnellsburg, but
had halted at Hancock.
On the 28th, General Lee issued orders for the march
upon Harrisburg.* General Ewell had marched his main
column through Chambersburg to Carlisle. His column,
ordered to move east of the mountains through Enmiits-
burg and Gettysburg, had marched parallel to the main
column as far as Greenwood, when orders were renewed
for it to march east through Gettysburg. General Early,
commanding, ordered Gordon's brigade and a detachment
of cavalry through Gettysburg; but his other troops
marched north through Mummasburg. The failure of
the Imboden cavalry on his left caused General Ewell to
send General George H. Steuart through McConnellsburg
as guard of that flank. Steuart's command rejoined him
at Carlisle. As General Ewell marched he sent us three
thousand head of beef cattle and information of five
thousand barrels of flour. He halted at Carlisle on the
27th. The municipal authorities of Gettysburg and York
surrendered to General Gordon, who took some prisoners
• VA Appendix to Chapter XXV.
INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA. 345i
of the State militia, and marched to the bridge over
the Susquehanna at Wrightsville, where he had other
prisoners ; but the bridge was burned before him. His
brigade returned to the vicinity of York, where the
division had marched and bivouacked on the night of
the 28th.
CHAPTER XXVL
GETTYSBURG— FIRST DAY.
Information of Federal Force and Positions brought by the Scout Har-
rison— General Lee declines to credit it— General Longstreet suggests
a Change of Direction in Conformance with the Revelation— General
Meade had succeeded Hoolter in Command Five Days before Battle —
Positions on the Eve of the First Day— Confederate Cavalry ** not in
sight"— "The Eyes of the Array" sadly needed— A Description of tho
Famous Battle-field— Generals Ewell and A. P. Hill engage the Fed-
erals—Death of General John F. Reynolds— The Figlit on Seminary
Ridge— General Hancock in Federal Command on the Field— Con-
cerning the Absent Cavalry and Information given by the S(;out—
Conditions at the Close of the First Day's Fight.
The eve of the great battle was crowded with events.
Movements for the concentration of the two vast armies
went on in mighty force, but with a silence in strong con-
trast to the swift-coming commotion of their shock in
conflict. It was the pent quiet of the gathering storm
whose bursting was to shake the continent and suddenly
command the startled attention of the world.
After due preparation for our march of the 29th, all
hands turned in early for a good night's rest. My mind
had hardly turned away from the cares and labors of the
day, when I was aroused by some one beating on the pole
of my tent. It proved to be Assistant Inspector-General
Fairfax. A young man had been arrested by our out-
lying pickets under suspicious circumstances. He was
looking for General Longstreet's head-quarters, but his
comfortable apparel and well-to-do, though travel-stained,
appearance caused doubt in the minds of the guards of
his being a genuine Confederate who could be trusted
about head-quarters. So he was sent up under a file of
men to be identified. He proved to be Harrison, the
vahied scout. He had walked through the lines of the
346
.MIk
GETTYSBURG — FIRST DAY. 347
Union army during the night of the 27th and the 28th,
secured a mount at dark of the latter day to get in as soon
as possible, and brought information of the location of
two corps of Federals at night of the 27th, and approxi-
mate positions of others. General Hooker had crossed
the Potomac on the 25th and 26th of June. On the 27th
he had posted two army corps at Frederick, and the scout
rei>orted another near them, and two others near South
Mountain, as he escaped their lines a little after dark of
the 28th. He was sent under care of Colonel Fairfax to
make report of his information at general head-quarters.
General Lee declined, however, to see him, though he
asked Colonel Fairfax as to the information that he
brought, and, on hearing it, expressed want of faith in re-
ports of scouts, in which Fairfax generally agreed, but
suggested that in this case the information was so near
General Longstreet's ideas of the probable movements of
the enemy that he gave credit to it. I also sent up a note
suggesting a change of direction of the head of our column
east. This I thought to be the first and necessary step
towards bringing the two armies to such concentration
east as would enable us to find a way to draw the enemy
into battle, in keeping with the general plan of campaign,
and at the same time draw him off from the travel of our
trains.
There were seven corps of the Army of the Potomac
afield. We were informed on the 28th of the approxi-
mate positions of five of them, — three near Frederick and
two near the base of South Mountain. The othei-s, of
which we had no definite information, we now know were
the Sixth (Sedgwick's), south of Frederick and east of the
Monocacy, and the Twelfth, towards Harper's Ferry.
On the 26th, General Hooker thought to use the Twelfth
Corps and the garrison of Harper's Ferry to strike the
line of our communication, but General Halleck forbade
the use of the troops of that post, when General Hooker
348 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
asked to be relieved of the responsibility of command,
and was succeeded by General Meade on the night of the
27th.
If General Hooker had been granted the authority for
which he applied, he would have struck our trains, ex-
posed from Chambersburg to the Potomac without a cav-
alryman to ride and report the trouble. General Stuart
was riding around Hooker's army, General Robertson was
in Virginia, General Imboden at Hancock, and Jenkins's
cavalry was at our front with General Ewell.
By the report of the scout we found that the march of
Ewell's east wing had failed of execution and of the effect
designed, and that heavy columns of the enemy were hover-
ing along the east base of the mountain. To remove this
pressure towards our rear. General Lee concluded to make
a more serious demonstration and force the enemy to look
eastward. With this view he changed direction of the pro-
posed march north, by counter-orders on the night of the .
28th, calling concentration east of the mountains at Cash-
town, and his troops began their march under the last
orders on the 29th.
It seems that General Hill misconstrued the orders of
the day, or was confused by the change of orders, and was
under the impression that he was to march by York and
cross the Susquehanna towards Philadelphia or Harris-
burg. He ordered his leading division under Heth to
Cashtown, however, and followed with Pender's division
on the 30th, leaving orders for the division of R. H. An-
derson to follow on the 1st. The purpose of General Lee's
march east was only preliminary, — ^a concentration about
Cashtown.
General Ewell was ready to march for Harrisburg on
the 29th, when orders reached him of the intended concen-
tration at Cashtown. He was at Carlisle with Bodes's and
E. Johnson's divisions and the reserve artillery ; his other
division under Early was at York. On the SOth, Bodes
k
.ji
GETTYSBURG — FIRST DAY. . 349
was at Heidlersburg, Early near by, and Johnson, with
the reserve artillj^ry, near Green Village.
Pettigrew's brigade of Heth's division, advancing to-
wards Gettysburg on the 30th, encountered Buford's
cavalry and returned to Gishtown.
On the 29th, General Meade wired General Halleck, —
" If Lee is moving for Baltimore, I expect to get between his
main army and that place. If he is crossing the Susquehanna,
I shall reiy upon General Couch, with his force, holding him,
until I can fall upon his rear and give him battle, which I shall
endeavor to do. . . . My endeavor will be, in my movements, to
hold my force well together, with the hope of falling upon some
portion of Lee's army in detail.*
As the change of orders made Gettysburg prominent as
the point of impact, the positions of the commands rela-
tive thereto and their distances therefrom are items of
importance in considering the culmination of events.
POSITIONS OF ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, NIGHT OF JUNE 30.
General Lee's head-quarters, Greenwood, sixteen miles.
First Corps, Cliambersburg, twenty-four miles to Gettysburg ;
part at Greenwood, sixteen miles.
Second Corps and Jenkins's cavalry, Heidlersburg, ten miles ;
part near Green Village, twenty-three miles (Johnson's division
and trains).
Third Corps, near Greenwood, sixteen miles, and Citshtown,
eight miles.
Stuart's cavalry, circling between York and Carlisle, out of
sight.
Robertson's cavalry, in Virginia, beyond reach.
Imboden's cavalry, at Hancock, out of sight
The Confederates not intending to precipitate battle.
POSITIONS OF ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
General Meade's head-quarters, Taneytown, fourteen miles.
General Hunt, artillery reserve, Taneytown.
First Corps, Marsh Bun, six miles.
* Report Committee, vol. i. p. 480.
3oO FRO^r MAXASSAS TO APPO^IATTOX.
Second Corps, Uniontown, twenty two miles.
Third Corps, Bridgc<*]»ort, twelve miles.
Fitlh Corps, Union Mills, tit'teen miles.
Sixth Corps, Manchester, twenty-two miles.
Eleventh Corps, Emmitsburc:, twelve miles.
Twelfth Corps, Littletown, nine miles.
Kilpatrick's cavalry, Hanover, thirteen miles.
Gregg's cavalry, Manchester, twenty-two miles.
Bnford's cavalry, Gettysbnrg.
It should be borne in mind that the field of contention
was south and east of Gettysburg, so that the Union troops
were from two to four miles nearer their field of battle
than w^ere the Confederates, who had to march from two
to four miles beyond the town.
Referring to the map, it may be^seen that the Confed-
erate corps had two routes by which to march for concen-
tration,— viz., from Heidlersburg to Cashtown, part of
the Second Corps ; on the road from Chambersburg, the
First, Third, and part of the Second Corps (with all of
the trains of the latter), with but a single track, the Cham-
bersburg-Gettysburg turnpike. Some of their distances
were greater than any of the columns of the enemy, while
the Army of the Potomac had almost as many routes of
march as commands, and was marching from day to day
anticipating a general engagement, which they were espe-
cially cautioned on the 30th was imminent.
General Hill decided to go beyond Cashtown on the
Ist to ascertain as to the enemy reported at Gettysburg.
He gave notice of his intentions to General Ewell, and
sent back to the commanding general to have Anderson's
division sent forward. He was at Cashtown with Heth's
and Pender's divisions and their batteries; his reserve
artillery with Anderson's division at Fayetteville.
The armies on the night of June 30 stood thus :
The Confederate : First Corps, two divisions at Green-
wood (except one brigade detached under orders from
head-quarters at New Guilford) ; Pickett's three brigades
\
GETTYSBUKG — FIRST DAY. 351
at Chambersburg, left under orders from liead-quarters to
guard trains ; the Second Corps, two divisions near Heid-
lersburg, one near and north of Chambersburg ; the Third
Corps at Cashtown and Fayetteville ; eavah-y not in sight
or hearing, except Jenkins's brigade and a small detach-
ment.
The Union army : the First Corps on Marsh Run,
the Second at Uniontown, the Third at Bridgeport, the
Fifth at Union Mills, the Sixth at Manchester, the
Eleventh at Emmitsburg, the Twelfth at Littlestown,
Fitzpatrick's cavalry at Hanover, Buford's at Gettysburg
(except one brigade, detached, guarding his trains). Gen-
eral Meade's head-quarters and reserve artillery were at
Taneytown. His army, including cavalry, in hand.
General Lee's orders .called his troops on converging
lines towards Cashtown, but he found that part of his in-
fantry must be left at Chambersburg to await the Imboden
cavalry, not up, and one of Hood's brigades must be de-
tached on his right at New Guilford to guard on that side
in place of Robertson's cavalry (in Virginia). So that
as he advanced towards his adversary, the eyes and ears
of his army were turned afar off, looking towards the
homes of non-combatants. It is bootless to this writing
to restate whence came this mishap. There is no doubt it
greatly disturbed General Lee's mind, and he would have
called a halt under ordinary circumstances, but his orders
did not contemplate immediate movements beyond Cash-
town. In that he felt safe, depending upon his cavalry
coming up in time to meet him there.
He was in his usual cheerful spirits on the morning of
the 1st, and called me to ride with him. My column was
not well stretched on the road before it encountered the
division of E. Johnson (Second Corps) cutting in on our
front, with all of Ewell's reserve and supply trains. He
ordered the First Corps halted, and directed that John-
son's dlvbion and train should pass on to its corps, the
oo2 FRO>[ MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
First to wait. Duriug the wait I dismounted to give
Hero a little respite. (The Irish groom had christened
my favorite liorse " Haro^)
After a little time General Lee proposed that we should
ride on, and soon we heard reports of cannon. The fire
seemed to be beyond Cashtown, and as it increased he
left me and rode faster for the front.
The brigades of Gamble and Devin of Buford's cav-
alry were the force that met Pettigrew's brigade on the
afternoon of the 30th, when the latter retired to the post
of the divisions at Cashtown.
From Gettysburg roads diverge to the passes of the
mountains, the borders of the Potomac and Susquehanna,
and the cities of Baltimore and Washington ; so that it
was something of a strategic point. From the west side
two broad roads run, one northwest to Chambersburg
via Cashtown, the other southwest through Fairfield to
Hagerstown. They cross an elevated ridge, a mile out
north, and south of the Lutheran Seminary, known to
the Confederates as Seminary Ridge, covered by open
forests. At the northward, about two miles from the
town, the ridge divides, a lesser ridge putting out west, and
presently taking a parallel course with the greater. This
was known as McPherson's Ridge, and was about five
hundred yards from the first, where the road crosses it.
Nearly parallel with the Chambersburg pike and about two
hundred yards distant was the cut of an unfinished rail-
road. Willoughby's Run flows south in a course nearly
parallel to and west of the ridge, and is bordered by tim-
bered lands. North of Gettysburg the grounds are open
and in fair fields. Directly south of it a bold ridge rises
with rough and steep slopes. The prominent point of the
south ridge is Cemetery Hill, and east of this is Gulp's
Hill, from which the ridge turns sharply south half a
mile, and drops off into low grounds. It was well wooded
and its eastern ascent steep. East of it and flowing south
GETTYSBURG — FIRST DAY. 353
is Rock Creek. From Cemetery Hill the ground is ele-
vated, the ridge sloping south to the cropping out of
Little Round Top, Devil's Den, and the bolder Round
Top, the latter about three miles south of the town. Ceme-
tery Ridge is nearly parallel to Seminary Ridge, and is
more ek^vated.
At five o'clock on the morning of July 1, General A.
P. Hill marched towards Gettysburg with the divisions of
Heth and Pender, and the battalions of artillery under
Pegram and Mcintosh, Heth's division and Pegram's ar-
tillery in advance. R. H. Anderson's division, with the
reserve artillery left at Fayetteville, was ordered to march
and halt at Cashtown. About ten o'clock Heth en-
countered Buford's cavalry. Archer's brigade, leading,
engaged, and Davis's brigade came up on his left with part
of Pegram's artillery. The cavalry was forced back till
it passed Willoughby's Run.
On the 30th of June, General John F. Reynolds had
been directed to resume command of the right w^ing of
the Union army, — First, Third, and Eleventh Corps. He
was advised that day of the threatening movements of the
Confederates on the Cashtown and Mummasburg roads.
At the same time the indications from General Meade's
head-quarters pointed to Pipe Creek as the probable line
in case of battle. Reynolds, however, prepared to sup-
port Buford's line of cavalry, and marched at eight o'clock
on the 1st of July with Wadsw^orth's division and Hall's
battery, leaving the other divisions of Doubleday and
Robinson with the artillery to follow under General
Doubleday, who became commander of the corps upon
the assignment of Reynolds to command of the wing.
As Reynolds approached Gettysburg, in hearing of the
cavalry fight, he turned the head of his column to the
left and marched through the fields towards the engage-
ment. As the cavalry skirmish line retired and passed
Willoughby's Run, he approached with his reinforcements,
28
.*>ol FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Brigadier-General Cutler in advance, and was put in on
the north of the Cashtown road, followed by HalPs
battery. Brigadier-General Meredith following, his bri-
gade was put into line on the left. As fast as the troops
got into line they became severely engaged. Doubleday,
in advance of the divisions under him, put Meredith *s
brigade in favorable position in a strip of woodland on
the left.
As the Confederate left advanced through the railroad
cut they came upon Hill's battery, and were about to get
it, when it was siived by speedy withdrawal, which caused
the Union right to retire, while Archer's brigade of the
Confederate right, in pushing to the front, came into an
open space before Mereditli's brigade, which in turn made
a gaUant advance, drove Archer back, followed across the
run, and captured General Archer and one thousand of
Heth's men. Two brigades of Heth's division, Petti-
grew's and Brockenbrough's, were put in on the right of
Archer's men. During the severe engagement on his
right the advance of the Confederate infantry got in so
close along the railroad cut that General Ileynolds, iu
efforts to extricate his right, was shot, when the right,
still under severe pressure, was forced to retire towards
Seminary Ridge. Hall's battery, severely crippled, suc-
ceeded in getting away as the right retired.
Doubleday's other divisions came uj) about the moment
General Reynolds w^as killed. The Second (Robinson's)
and Third (Rowley's) Divisions deployed on the right
and left. Cooper's battery of four three-inch guns
followed the left division. At the same time Hill
reinforced by his division under Pender, Thomas's bri-
gjide on his left. Lane, Scales, and Perrin to the right.
These restored the Confederate right, overlapping the
Federal left; at the same time Thomas's brigade made
successful battle on the left, pushing off Wadsworth's
right and Hall's battery, when the two brigades of the
GETTYSBrPvG — FIHRT DAY. 35o
Second Division (Robinson's) were sent to their support,
but were, in turn, forced back towards Seminary Ridge.
The Confederate sharp-shooters cut ' down the horses of
one of Hall's guns and forced him to drop it. Hill
advanced Pegram's and Mcintosh's artillery to Mc-
Pherson's Ridge, forcing the entire Union line back to
Seminary Ridge. General Doubleday, anticipating such
contingency, had ordered trenches made about Semi-
nary Ridge, and sent his three other batteries under
Colonel Wainwright to that point. He formed his line
along the ridge and occupied the trenches by part of his
infantry. At this period Ewell's divisions under Rodes
approached against Doubleday's right.
General Howard, upon his first approach to the battle,
marched the Eleventh Corps to Cemetery Hill, and
there posted it until called upon by General Doubleday
for assistance. To meet the call he ordered his divisions
under Generals Barlow and Schurz to Doubleday's right,
to occupy a prominent point at the north end of Semi-
nary Ridge, reserving his division under Steinwehr and
part of his artillery on Cemetery Hill.
As the divisions of the Eleventh Corps approached the
Confederate left, Rodes's division of Ewell's corps ad-
vanced. The Federals then stood across the Cashtown
road, their left in advance of the Seminary, their right
thrown or standing more to the rear. Rodes was in season
to sweep the field of approach to the high point intended
to be occupied by the divisions sent by Howard, and came
in good position to enfilade Robinson's division of the
First Corps. As Rodes approached he was threatened by
Buford's cavalry, but, finding cover under woodland, he
made advance by three brigades in line till he came to
the point of view which gave him command of that end
of the field in elevated position, and in plunging fire down
Robinson's line and in advance of the divisions sent by
General Howard to occupy that point. While ix)sting
onCi FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
■
liis iiifantrv, Rink's onlcivd Carter's battery of artillery
into action against Rohinsou'.s lines stretehed out and
engag(»d against Hill's corps. At that moment the
divisions of the Eleventh Corps were not in full front
of Rodes, so that his fire upon Robinson's line was
something of a surj^rise, as well as most discomfiting.
The divisions and artillery of the Eleventh came to the
front, however, almost simultaneously with Robinson's
necessitated change of right front rearward towards Rodes.
These changes and dispositions gave Hill oi)portunity to
press on by his front, when Doubleday was obliged to call
for help, and Schurz called for support on his right. Cos-
ter's brigade was sent from Steinwehr's reserve, and Bu-
ford's cavalry was ordered to brace as far as practicable
the centre of the First Corps, and another battery was
sent to Schurz's division. At 2.45 another call for help
l)y the First Corps was received, and General Schurz was
asked to answer it if he could by a regiment or more.
Calls were sent to hurry Slocum's (Twelfth) corps, some
miles away, but then Ewell Y(as swinging his division
under ICjirly into line nearer to Gettysburg, Gordon's bri-
gade and Jones's battery coming in in good tune to make
strong Rodes's left, and Hill's corps had overlap}>ed the
left of the First Corps, so that General Howard found
himself forced to command a steady, orderly retreat to
Cemeterv Hill.
The Confederates pushed rapidly on, particularly the
fresher troops of Ewell, cleared the field, and followed
on through the streets of Gettysburg at four o'clock. The
retreat began and continued in good order till they passed
Gettysburg, when the ranks became so scattered that the
final march was little better than ^^ Sauve qui peuf
As the troops retreated through Gettysburg, General
Hancock rode upon the field, and under special assignment
assumed command at three o'clock. As the retreating
troops arrived, Wadsworth's division on the right, the
GETTYSBURG — FIRST DAY. 357
Eleventh Corps across the Baltimore pike, the balance
of the First under Doubleday on the left of the Eleventh,
General Howard and others assisted in forming the new
line.
The total effectives of the First and Eleventh Corps,
according to the consolidated morning report of June 30,
was 19,982. From the latest returns of General Lee's
army, an average estimate of his four divisions gave his
total as 25,252. Part of the reserve division of the
Eleventh Corps was not engaged, but Buford had two
brigades of cavalry, and so the foregoing may be a
fair estimate of the forces engaged on the first day at
Gettysburg.
At Cashtown, General Lee found that General Hill had
halted his division under R. H. Anderson and his reserve
artillery. He had General Anderson called, who subse-
quently wrote me of the interview as follows :
** About twelve o'clock I received a message notifying me that
General Lee desired to see me. I found General Lee intently lis-
tening to the fire of the guns, and very much disturbed and de-
pressed. At length he said, more to himself than to me, ^ I cannot
think what has become of Stuart. I ought to have heard from him
long before now. He may have met with disaster, but I hope not.
In the absence of reports from him, I am in ignorance as to what
we have in front of us here. It may be the whole Federal army,
or it may be only a detachment. If it is the whole Federal force,
we must fight a battle here. If we do not gain a victory, those
defiles and gorges which we passed this morning will shelter us
from disaster.' ''
He ordered Anderson forward, and rode on to Seminary
Ridge in time to view the closing operations of the engage-
ment. The Union troops were in disorder, climbing Cem-
etery Heights, the Confederates following through the
streets of Gettysburg. Two other divisions of Confed-
erates were up soon after, E. Johnson's of the Second and
R. H. Anderson's of the Third Corps.
After a long wait I left orders for the troops to follow
lioS FROM MANASSAS TO APl'OMATTOX.
the trains of the Second Corps, and rode to find General
Lee. His head-quarters were on Seminary Ridge at the
crossing of the Cashtown road. Anderson's division was
then filed off along the ridge, resting. Johnson's had
marched to report to the corps commander. Dismount-
ing and passing the usual salutation, I drew my glasses
and made a studied view of the position upon which the
enemy was rallying his forces, and of the lay of the land
surrounding. General Lee was engaged at the moment.
He had announced beforehand that he would not make
aggressive battle in the enemy's country. After the sur-
vey and in consideration of his plans, — noting movements
of detachments of the enemy on the Emmitsburg road,
the relative positions for manoeuvre, the lofty perch of
the enemy, the rocky slopes from it, all marking the posi-
tion clearly defensive, — I said, "We could not call the
enemy to position better suited to our plans. All that we
have to do is to file around his left and secure good ground
between him and his capital." This, when said, was
thought to be the opinion of my commander as much as
my own. I was not a little surprised, therefore, at his
impatience, as, striking the air with his closed hand, he
said, " If he is there to-morrow I will attack him."
In his official account. General Lee reported, —
" It had not l)een intended to deliver a general battle so far
from our base unless attacked. But coming unexi)ectedly upon
the whole Federal army, to withdraw through the mountains with
our extensive trains would have been difficult and dangerous."
When he rode away from me in the forenoon he made
no mention of his absent cavalry, nor did he indicate
that it was not within call. So I was at a loss to under-
stand his nervous condition, and supported the suggestion
so far as to say, " If he is there to-morrow it will be
because he wants you to attack," and queried, " If that
height has become the objective, why not take it at once ?
GETTYSBURG FIRST DAY. 359
We have forty thousand men, less the casualties of the
day ; he cannot have more than twenty thousand." Then
it was that I heard of the wanderings of the cavalry and
the cause of his uneven temper. So vexed was he at the
halt of the Imboden cavalry at Hancock, m the opening
of the campaign^ that he was losing sight of Pickett's bri-
gades as a known quantity for battle. His manner sug-
gested to me that a little reflection would be better than
further discussion, and right soon he suggested to the
commander of the Second Corps to take Cemetery Hill if
he thought it practicable, but the subordinate did not
care to take upon himself a fight that his chief would
not venture to order.*
The following circular orders were sent the command-
ers of columns of the First Corps :
"Head-quarters First Army Corps,
"Near Gettysburg, July 1, 5.30 p.m.
"Colonel, — The commandiug general desires you to come on
to-night as fast as you can without distressing your men and ani-
mals. Hill and Ewell have sharply engaged the enemy, and you
will be needed for to-morrow's battle. Let us know where you
will stop to-night
" Eespectfully,
"G. M. Sorrel,
"Colonel Walton, "^. A. General.
'' Chief of Artillery:^
* From General Lee's official report :**... It was ascertained from
the prisoners that we had been engaged with two corps of the army
formerly commanded by Gktneral HcK>ker, and that the remainder of that
army, under General Meade, was ai)proaching Gettysburg. Without
information as to its proximity, the strong position which the enemy
had assumed could not be attacked without danger of exposing the
four divisions present, already weakened and exhausted by a long and
bloody struggle, to overwhelming numbers of fresh troops. General
Ewell was, therefore, instructed to carry the hill occupied by the enemy,
if he found it practicable, but to avoid a general engagement until the
arrival of the other divisions of the army, which were ordered to hasten
forward. He decided to await Johnson's division, which had marched
from Carlisle by the road west of the mountains to guard the trains
of his corps, and consequently did not reach Gettysburg until a late
hour. ..."
360 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
At 12.15 of the afternoon of the 1st, General Halleck
sent a cipher despatch to General Meade approving his
tactics, but asking, as to his strategy, "Are you not too far
east, and may not Lee attempt to turn your left and cut
you off from Frederick ?"
In this connection may be noted the plan that General
Meade had mapjied in his own mind and given to some of
his generals for battle to be formed behind Pipe Creek, a
position that would have met the views of General Hal-
leek, as well as his ow^n, covering Washington and Balti-
more under close lines that could not be turned. At
Gettysburg the Confederates had comparatively an open
field.
Reports coming in to head-cpiarters alx)ut six o'clock
that the enemy was in some force off our right towards
Fairfield, General Lee ordered General Anderson to put
one of his brigades out on the right as picket-guard.
Wilcox's brierade and Koss's batterv were marched and
posted near Black Horse Tavern.
Nothing coming from the centre troops about Cemetery
Hill, General Lee ordered the Second Corps, after nif/hfy
from his left to his rif/ht, for work in that direction, but
General Ewell rode over and reported that another point —
Gulp's Hill — had been found on his left, which had com-
manding elevation over Cemetery Hill, from which the
troops on the latter could be dislodged, by artillery, and
was under the imi^ression that his troops were in posses-
sion there. That was accredited as reported and approveil,
and the corps commander returned, and ordered the hill
occupied if it had not been done. But the officer in charge
had waited for specific orders, and when they were re-
ceived he had made another reconnoissance. It was then
twelve o'clock. By the reconnoissance it was found that
the enemy was there, and it was thought that this should
be reported, and further orders waited.
General Ewell's troops and trains passed the junction
GETTYSBURG FIRST DAY. 361
of the roads at four o'clock. The train was fourteen miles
long. It was followed by the troops of the Fii-st Corps
tliat had been waiting all day. After night the Washing-
ton Artillery and McLaws's division camped at Marsh
Run, four miles from Gettysburg. Here is Hood's account
of his march :
"While lying in cainp near Chainbersburg information was
received that Hill and Bwell were about to come into contact with
the enemy near Gettysburg. My troops, together with McLaws's
division, were at once put in motion upon the most direct road to
that point, which we rcivched after a hard march at or before sun-
rise on July 2. So imperative had been our orders to hasten for-
ward with all possible speed that on the march my troops were
allowed to halt and rest only about two hours during the night
from the 1st to the 2d of July."
When I left General Lee, about seven o'clock in the
evening, he had formed no plans beyond that of seizing
Culp's Hill as his point from which to engage, nor given
any orders for the next day, though his desperate mood
was painfully evident, and gave rise to serious apprehen-
sions. He had heard nothing of the movements of the
enemy since his crossing the Potomac, except the report of
the scout. His own force on the field was the Second
Corps, Rodes's, Early's, and E. Johnson's divisions from
right to left through the streets of Gettysburg around
towards Culp's Hill ; on Rodes's right, Pender's division
of the Third ; on Seminary Ridge, R. H. Anderson's
division of the Third (except Wilcox's brigade at Black
Horse Tavern) ; behind Seminary Ridge, Heth's division
r>f the Third ; on the march between Cashtown and
Greenwood, part of the First Corps, and parts at Cham-
bersburg and New Guilford,
CHAPTER XXVII.
GETTYSBURG SECOND DAY.
The Confederate Coinmamler reviews the Field and decides on Plan of
Battle — Positions on the Morning of July 2— Night March of the Fed-
eral Sixth Corps— It was excelled hy Law\s Brigade of Confederates
— The Battle was opened after Mid-day— General Hood appeals for
Permission to turn the Federal Left — Failure to make the Flanking
Movement by the Confederate Right was a Serious Mistake— Hood, in
his usual Gallant Style, led his Troops forward among the Rocks — Des-
perate Charges against an Earnest Adversary— Hood wounded —
General Law succeeds him in command of the Division—" Little
Round Top" an Important Point— "The Citadel of the Field''— It
was a Fight of Seventeen Thousand Confederates against twice their
Number— Quiet along the Lines of other Confederate Commands — " A
Man on the Left who didn't care to make the Battle win"— Evidence
against the Alleged Order for " Battle at Sunrise"— The " Order" to
Ewell was Discretionary— Lee had lost his Balance.
The stars were shining brightly on the morning of the
2(1 when I reported at General Lee's head-quarters and
asked for orders. After a time Generals McLaws and
Hood, with their staffs, rode up. After sunrise their com-
mands filed off the road to the right and rested. The
Washington Artillery was with them, and about nine
o'clock, after an all-night march, Alexander's batteries
were up as far as Willoughby's Run, where he parked
and fed, and rode to head-quarters to report.
As indicated by these movements, Greneral Lee was not
ready with his plans. He had not heard from his cavalry,
nor of the movements of the enemy further than the
information from a desj^atch captured during the night,
that the Fifth Corps was in camp about five miles from
Gettysburg, and the Twelfth Corps was re]X)rtcd near
Gulp's Hill. As soon as it was light enough to see, how-
ever, the enemy was found in position on his formidable
hciglits awaiting us.
yc2
GETTYSBURG SECOND DAY. 363
The result of efforts cluriug the night and early morn-
ing to secure Gulp's Hill had not been reported, and Gen-
eral Lee sent Colonel Venable of his staff to confer with
the commander of the Second Corps as to opportunity to
make the battle by his left. He was still in doubt whether
it would be better to move to his far-off right. About nine
o'clock he rode to his left to be assured of the position
there, and of the general temper of affairs in that quar-
ter. After viewing the field, he held conference with the
corps and division commandei's. They preferred to ac-
cept his judgment and orders, except General Early, who
claimed to have learned of the topographical features of
the country during his march towards York, and recom-
mended the right of the line as the point at which strong
battle should be made. About ten o'clock General Lee
returned to his head-quarters, but his engineer who had
been sent to reconnoitre on his right had not come back.
To be at hand for orders, I remained with the troops at
his head-quarters. The infantry had arms stacked ; the
artillery was at rest.
The enemy occupied the commanding heights of the
city cemetery, from which point, in irregular grade, the
ridge slopes southward two miles and a half to a bold
outcropping height of three hundred feet called Little
Round Top, and farther south half a mile ends in the
greater elevation called Round Top. The former is
covered from base to top by formidable boulders. From
the cemetery to Little Round Top was the long main front
of General Meade's position. At the cemetery his line
turned to the northeast and east and southeast in an ellip-
tical curve, with his right on Gulp's Hill.
At an early hour of the 2d the Union army was posted :
the Twelfth Corps at Gulp's Hill, extending its left to
Wadsworth's division of the First ; on Wadsworth's left
the Eleventh Corps ; on the left of the Eleventh the other
troopB of the First ; on their left the Second, and left of
364 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
that to Little Round Top the Third Corps; the Fifth
Corps st^)od in reserve across the bend from the right of
the Twelftli to the left of the Second Corps. Thus there
was formed a field of tremendous power upon a convex
curve, which gave the benefit of rapid concentration at
any point or points. The natural defences had been im-
proved during the night and early morning. The Sixth
Corps was marching from Manchester, twenty-two miles
from Gettysburg. Its first order, received near Manches-
ter before night of the 1st, was to march for Taneytown,
but after passing the Baltimore pike the orders were
changed, directing a prompt march to Gettysburg. The
march has been variously estimated from thirty to thirty-
five miles, but the distance from Manchester via Tanev-
town to Gettysburg is only twenty-nine miles, and as tlie
ground for which the corps marched was three miles east
of Gettysburg, the march would have been only twenty-
six miles via Taneytown ; as the corps marched back and
took the Baltimore pike, some distance nmst have been
saved. It wiis on the field at three o'clock of the afternoon,
— the Union cavalry under General Pleasonton in reach.
The Confederate left was covering the north and east
curve of the enemy's line, Johnson's division near Gulp's
Hill, Early's and Rodes's extending the line to the right
through Gettysburg; Pender's division on the right of
Rodes's ; the other divisions of the Third Corps resting
on Seminary Ridge, with McLaws's division and Hood's
three brigades near general head-quarters; Pickett's
brigades and Law's of Hood's division at Chambersburg
and New Guilford, twenty-two and twenty-four miles
away. Law had received orders to join his division, and
was on the march. The cavalry was not yet heard from.
The line so extended and twisted about the rough ground
that concentration at any point was not jx)ssible.
It was some little time after General Lee's return from
his ride to the left before he received the reports of the
OETTYSRURCJ — SECOXD DAY. oGo
n^coniioLssaiice ordered from liis centre lo his rijijlit. His
mind, ])revionsly settled to tlie ])iirj)os(» to light where the
enemy stood, now accepted the explicit j)lan of making
the oj>ening on his right, and to have the engagement
general. He ordered the commander of the Third Corps
to extend the centre by Anderson's division, McLaws's
and Hood's divisions to extend the deployment to his
right. Heth's division of the Third was draw^n nearer
the front, and notice of his plans was sent the commander
of the Second Corps.
At the intimation that the battle wonld be opened on
the right by part of the First Corps, Colonel Alexander was
asked to act as director of artillery, and sent to view the
field in time to assign the batteries as they were up. It
was eleven o'clock when General Lee's order was issued,
but he had ordered Law's brigade to its division, and a
wait of thirty minutes was necessary for it to get up.
Law had received his orders at three in the morning, and
had marched twenty-three miles. The battle-ground was
still five miles off by the route of march, but Law com-
pleted his march of twenty-eight miles in eleven hours, —
the best marching done in either army to reach the field
of Gettysburg.
The battle was to be opened on the right by two di-
visions of the First Corps, supported on their left by four
of the brigades of Anderson's division ; the opening to be
promptly followed on Lee's left by the Second Corps, and
continued to real attack if the opportunity occurred ; the
Third (centre) Corps to move to severe threatening and
take advantage of opportunity to attack; the movements of
the Second and Third Corps to be prompt, and in close,
severe co-operation, so as to prevent concentration against
the battle of the right. The little cavalry that was with
the army was kept on the extreme left. Not so much
as one trooper was sent us.
General Lee ordered his reconnoitring officer to lead
3(»r> FROM MANAS^SAS TO ArPOMATTOX.
the troops of the First Corps and conduct them by a
route concealed from view of the enemy. As I was re-
lieved for tlie time from the march, I rode near the middle
of tlie line. General Lee rode with me a mile or more.
General Anderson marched by a route nearer the enemy's
line, and was discovered by General Sickles, who com-
manded the Third Corps, the left of the Union line. A
little uncomfortable at his retired position, and seeing that
the battle was forming against him. General Sickles thought
to put the Third Maine Regiment and the Berdan Sharp-
shooters on outpost in a bold woodland cover, to develop
somewhat of the approaching battle, and presently threw
his corps forward as far as the Peach Orchard, half a mile
forward of the position assigned to it in the general line.
The Tenth Alabama Regiment was sent against the out-
post guard, and, reinforced by the Eleventh Regiment,
drove it back, and Anderson's division found its place in
proper line.
General Birney's account of the affair at the outpost
puts it at twelve o'clock, and the signal accounts, the only
papers dated on the field, reported, —
'^The enemy's skirmisbei*s advancing from the west one mile
from here — 11.45.''
And presently, —
*^The rebels are in force ; our skirmishers give way — 12.56/*
There is no room for doubt of the accuracy of these re-
ports, which go to show that it was one o'clock in the
afternoon when the Third Corps, upon which the First
Corps was to form, was in position.
Under the conduct of the reconnoitring oflBcer, our
march seemed slow, — ^there were some halts and counter-
marches. To save time, I ordered the rear division to
double on the front, and we were near the affair of Ander-
son's regiments with the outpost guard of Sickles. Ander-
• GETTYSBUIIG— SECOXD DAY. 307
son's division deployed, — Wilcox's, Perry's, Wright's,
Posey's, and Mahone's brigades from right to left.
General Hood was ordered to send his select scouts in
advance, to go through the woodlands and act as vedettes,
in the absence of cavalry, and give information of the
enemy, if there. The double line marched up the slo])e
and deployed, — McLaws on the right of Anderson, Hood's
division on his right, McLaws near the crest of the pla-
teau in front of the Peach Orchard, Hood spreading and
enveloping Sickles's left. The former was readily adjusted
to ground from which to advance or defend. Hood's
front was very rugged, with no field for artillery, and very
rough for advance of infantry. As soon as he passed the
Emmitsburg road, he sent to report of the great advantage
of moving on by his right around to the enemy's rear.
His scouting parties reported that there was nothing be-
tween them and the enemy's trains. He was told that
•the move to the right had been proposed the day before
and rejected ; that General Lee's orders were to guide my
left by the Emmitsburg road.
In our immediate front were the divisions of the Third
Corps under Generals Humphreys and Birney, from right
to left, with orders for supports of the flanks by divisions
of the Second and Fifth Corps. The ground on the left
of Birney's division was so broken and obstructed by
l)Oulders that hie left was dropped off to the rear, forming a
broken line. In rear of the enemy, and between his lines
and Little Round Top, was a very rough elevation of
eighty feet formed by upheavals that left open passage
deep down Devil's Den. Smith's battery was on Birney 's
left, Winslow's between the right and next brigade. Other
batteries in position were Clark's, Ames's, Randolph's,
Seeley's, and Turnbuirs.
As McLaws's division came up on line, Barksdale's bri-
gade was in front of a battery about six hundred yards
ofil He appealed for permission to charge and capture it.
308 FROM MAXASSiAS TO APPOMATTOX.
l)ut was told to wait. On his right was Kershaw's bri-
f^a(l(», tho l)riga(le.s of Seinmes and Wofford on the second
line. Hood's division was in two lines, — Law's and Rob-
ertson's brigades in front, G. T. Anderson's and Ben-
ninsr's in the second line. The batteries were with the
divisions, — four to the division. One of G. T. Anderson's
regini(»nts wjis i)ut on picket down the Ennnitsbnrg road.
General Hood appealed again and again for the move
to the right, but, to give more confidence to his attack, lie
was reminded that the move to the right had been care-
fully considered by our chief and rejected in favor of his
present orders.
The opportunity for our right w^as in the air. General
Halleck saw it from Washington. General Meade saw
and was apprehensive of it. Even General Pendleton
refers to it in favorable mention in his official report.
Failing to adopt it. General IjCc should have gone with
us to his right. He had seen and carefully examined
the left of his line, and only gave us a guide to show the
way to the right, leaving the battle to be adjusted to
formidable and difficult grounds without his assistance.
If he had l>een with us, General Hood's messengers
could have been referred to general head-quarters, but to
delay and send messengers five miles in favor of a move
that he had rejected w^ould have been contumacious. The
opportunity was with the Confederates from the assem-
bling on Cemetery Hill. It was inviting of their pre-
conceived plans. It was the object of and excuse for the
invasion as a substitute for more direct efforts for the
relief of Vicksburg. Confederate writers and talkers
claim that General Meade could have escaped w^ithout
making aggressive battle, but that is equivalent to con-
fession of the inertia that failed to grasp the opportunity.
Beaten in the battle of the 1st, dislodged of position,
and outgeneral led, the Union army would have felt the
want of spirit and confidence important to aggressive
^
GETTYSBITRC SECOND DAY. 300
battle ; but the eall was with the Confederates, and these
circumstances would have made their work facile, while
the Union commander would have found the call to save
his capital imperative. Even as events passed it was
thought helpful to the Union side to give out the report
on the night of the 2d that General McClellan w^as at
hand and would command the army.
Four of the brigades of Anderson's division were
ordered to advance in echelon in support of my left.
At three o'clock the artillery was ordered to open prac-
tice. General Meade was then with General Sickles dis-
cussing the feasibility of withdrawing his corps to the
position to which it was originally assigned, but the open-
ing admonished him that it was too late. He had just sent
a cipher telegram to inform General Halleck, commander-
in-chief, that in the event of his having no opportunity to
attack, and should he find the Confederates moving to in-
terpose between him and Washington, he would fall back
on his supplies at Westminster.* But my right division
was then nearer to Westminster, and our scouting parties
of infantry lyere within rifle range of the road leading to
that point and to Washington. So it would have been
convenient, after holding our threatening attitude till
night, to march across his line at dark, in time to draw
other troops to close connection before the next morning.
Prompt to the order the combat opened, followed by
artillery of the other corps, and our artillerists measured
up to the better metal of the enemy by vigilant work.
Hood's lines were not yet ready. After a little practice
by the artillery, he was properly adjusted and ordered to
bear down upon the enemy's left, but he was not prompt,
and the order was repeated before he would strike down.f
In his usual gallant style he led his troops through the
rocky fastnesses against the strong lines of his earnest
Bqpotil^jBpVBtttoe, vol. i. p. 488. f His account.
24
o70 FHOM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
adversary, and encountered battle that called for all of his
power and skill. The enemy was tenacious of his strong
ground ; his skilfully-handled batteries swept through the
passes between the rocks ; the more deadly fire of infantry
concentrated as our men bore upon the angle of the
enemy's line and stemmed the fiercest onset, until it
became necessary to shorten their work by a desperate
charge. This pressing struggle and the cross-fire of our
batteries broke in the salient angle, but the thickening
fire, as the angle was pressed back, hurt Hood's left and
held him in steady fight. His right brigade was drawn
towards Round Top by the heavy fire pouring from that
quarter, Benning's brigade was pressed to the thickening
line at the angle, and G. T. Anderson's was put in support
of the battle growing against Hood's right.
I rode to McLaws, found him ready for his opportunity,
and Barksdale chafing in his wait for the order to seize
the battery in his front. Kershaw's brigade of his right
first advanced and struck near the angle of the enemy's
line where his forces were gathering strength. After ad-
ditional caution to hold his ranks closed, McLaws ordered
Barksdale in. With glorious bearing he sprang to his
work, overriding obstacles and dangers. Without a pause
to deliver a shot, he had the battery. Kershaw, joined by
Semmes's brigade, responded, and Hood's men, feeling the
impulsion of relief, resumed their bold fight, and presently
the enemy's line was broken through its length. But
his well-seasoned troops knew how to utilize the advan-
tage of their grounds and put back their dreadful fires
from rocks, depressions, and stone fences, as they went
for shelter about Little Round Top.
That point had not been occupied by the enemy, nor
marked as an important feature of the field. The broken
ranks sought shelter under its rocks and defiles as birds fly
to cover. General Hood fell seriously hurt, and General
Law succeeded to command of the division, but the well«
■^i
GETTYSBURG — SECOXl) DAY. 371
seasoned troops were not in need of a close guiding hand.
The battle was on, and they knew how to press its hottest
contention.
General Warren, chief engineer of the Federal army,
was sent at the critical moment to Little Round Top, and
found that it was the citadel of the field. He called for
troops to occupy it. The Fifth Corps (Sykes's) was hur-
ried to him, and General Hancock sent him Caldwell's
division of the Second Corps. At the Brick House, away
from his right, General Sickles had a detachment that had
been reinforced by General Hancock. This fire drew
Anderson's brigade of direction (Wilcox) a little oflFfrom
support of Barksdale's left. General Humphreys, seeing
the opportunity, rallied such of his troops as he could,
and, reinforced by Hays's division (Willard's brigade) of
Hancock's corps, came against Barksdale's flank, but the
latter moved bravely on, the guiding spirit of the battle.
Wright's Georgia and Perry's Florida brigades were
drawn in behind Wilcox and thrown against Humphreys,
pushing him off and breaking him up.
The fighting had by this time become tremendous, and
brave men and officers were stricken by hundreds. Posey
and Wilcox dislodged the forces about the Brick House.
General Sickles was desperately wounded !
General Willard was dead !
General Semmes, of McLaws's division, was mortally
wounded !
Our left relieved, the brigades of Andergon's division
moved on with Barksdale's, passed the swale, and moved
up the slope. Caldwell's division, and presently those of
Ayres and Barnes of the Fifth Corps, met and held our
strongest battle. While thus engaged, General Sykes
succeeded in putting Vincent's and Weed's brigades and
Hazlett's battery on the summit of Little Round Top, but
presently we overreached Caldwell's division, broke it off*,
and punhed it&om.the field. Of his brigade commanders,
o72 FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Zook Avns killed, and JJnjoke and Cross were wounded,
the latter mortally. GiMieral Hancock reported sixty j)er
cent, of his men lost. On our side, Barksdale was down
dying, and G. T. Anderson wounded.
We had carried Devirs Den, were at the Round Tops
and the Wheat-Field, but Ayres's division of regulars and
Barnes's division were holding us in equal battle. The
struggle throughout the field seemed at its tension. The
brigades of R. H. Anderson's division could hold off other
trooi)s of Hancock's, but were not strong enough to step to
the enemy's lines. When Caldwell's division was pushed
away, Ayres's flank and the gorge at Little Round Top
were only covered by a sharp line of picket men behind
the boulders. If we could drive in the sharp-shooters and
strike Ayres's flank to advantage, we could dislodge his
and Barnes's divisions, occupy the gorge behind Sykoses
brigades on Round Top, force them to retreat, and lift
our desperate fighters to the summit. I had one brigade
— Woftbrd's — that had not been engaged in the hottest
battle. To urge the troops to their reserve power in the
precious moments, I rode with Wofford. The rugged
field, the rough plunge of artillery fire, and the piercing
musket-shots delayed somewhat the march, but Alexander
dashed up with his batteries and gave new spirit to the
worn infantry ranks. By a fortunate strike upon Ayres's
flank we broke his line and pushed him and Barnes so
closely that they were obliged to use most strenuous efforts
to get away ^Mthout losing in prisoners as well as their
killed and wounded. We gained the Wheat-Field, and
were so close upon the gorge that our artillery could no
longer venture their fire into it. We were on Little
Round Top gnipi)ling for the crowning point. The bri-
gade commanders there, Vincent and Weed, were killed,
also the battery commander, Hazlett, and others, but their
troops were holding to their work as firmly as the mighty
boulders that helped them. General Meade thought that
GETTYSBURG — SECOND DAY. 373
the Confederate ariiiy was working on my part of the
fiekl. He led some regiments of the Twelfth Corps and
posted them against us, called a division of Newton's corps
(Fii-st) from beyond Hancock's, and sent Crawford's divi-
sion, tlie last of the Fifth Corps, splitting through tlie
gorge, forming solid lines, in i)laces behind stone fences,
and making steady battle, as veterans fresh in action know
so well how to make. While Meade's lines were growing
my men were dropping ; we had no others to call to their
aid, and the weight against us was too heavy to carry.
The extreme left of our lines was only about a mile from us
across the enemy's concentric position, which brought us
within hearing of that battle, if engaged, and near enough
to feel its swell, but nothing was heard or felt but the
clear ring of the enemy's fresh metal as he came against
us. No other part of our army had engaged ! My seven-
teen thousand against the Army of tlie Potomac ! The
sun was down, and with it went down the severe battle.
I ordered recall of the troops to the line of Plum Run
and Devil's Den, leaving picket lines near the foot of the
Round Tops. My loss was about six thousand, Meade's
between twelve and fourteen thousand; but his loss in
general and field officers was frightful. When General
Humphreys, who succeeded to Barksdale's brigade, was
called back to the new line, he thought there was some
mistake in the orders, and only withdrew as far as a cap-
tured battery, and when the order was repeated, retired
under protest.
General Stuart came down from Carlisle with his
column of cavalry late in the afternoon of the 2d. As
he approached he met a cavalry force of the enemy
moving towards the Confederate left rear, and was suc-
cessful in arresting it. He was posted with Jenkins's
three thousand cavalry * on the Confederate left.
* In his official report he puts Jenkins's force at tiie opening cam-
paiga at three thousand eight hundred.
374 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Notwithstanding the supreme order of the day for gen-
eral battle, and the reinforcement of the cavalry on our
left, the Second and Third Corps remained idle during
all of the severe battle of the Confederate right, except
the artillery, and the part of that on the extreme left
was only in practice long enough to feel the suj^erior metal
of the enemy, when it retired, leaving a battery of four
guns in position. General Early failed to even form
his division in battle order, leaving a brigade in position
remote from the line, and sending, later, another to be
near Stuart's cavalry. The latter returned, however,
before night.
At eight o'clock in the evening the division on our ex-
treme left, E. Johnson's, advanced. The brigades were J.
M. Jones's, NichoUs's, Steuart's, and Walker's. Walker's
was <letached, as they moved, to look for a detachment of
the enemy reported threatening the far away left. When
the three brigades crossed Rock Creek it was night. The
enemy's line to be assaulted was occupied by Greene's
brigade of the Twelfth Corps. It was reinforced by
three regiments of Wadsworth's division and three from
the Eleventh Corps. After brave attack and defence,
part of the line was carried, when the fight, afl«r a
severe fusillade between the infantry lines, quieted, and
Walker's brigade returned to the division. Part of the
enemy's trenches, east of the point attacked (across a
swale), vacated when the corps moved over to the left,
General Johnson failed to occupy.
Before this, General Rodes discovered that the enemy,
in front of his division, was drawing off his artillery and
infantry to my battle of the right, and suggested to
General Early that the moment had come for the divi-
sions to attack, and drew his forces from entanglements
about the streets to be ready. After E. Johnson's fight
on our extreme left, General Early ordered two brigades
under General Harry T. Hays to attack. Hays had with
I
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la^t, tlu»: hr z',u< .-•-,-- ; '• •
General !>>: „•>•-: -/ • - ■' ■ . . ,/ -
cupying fAr: .: '.jr '•-v.; • •- - - -- - « . ' .
to be reiiif'.-r'*-': :..- '-i ' •- * , - -.
GETTYSBURG SECOND DAY, 375
his Louisiana brigade Hoke's North Carolina brigade
under Colonel Avery. He made as gallant a fight as
was ever made. Mounting to the top of the hill, he
captured a battery, and pushed on in brave order, taking
some prisoners and colors, until he discovered that his two
brigades were advancing in a niglit affair against a grand
army, when he found that he was fortunate in having
night to cover his weakness, and withdrew. The gallant
Colonel Avery, mortally wounded and dying, wrote on a
slip of paper, " Tell father that I died with my face to the
enemyy When Rodes was prepared. Hays had retired,
and the former did not see that it was part of the order
for general engagement to put his division in night attack
that could not be sup})orted.
Thus the general engagement of the day was dwarfed
into the battle of the right at three o'clock, that on the
left at eight by a single division, and that nearer the
centre at nine o'clock by two brigades.
There was a man on the left of the line who did not
care to make the battle win. He knew where it was, had
viewed it from its earliest formation, had orders for his
part in it, but so withheld part of his command from it as
to make co-operative concert of action impracticable. He
had a pruriency for the honors of the field of Mars, was
eloquent, before the fires of the bivouac and his chief, of
the glory of war's gory shield ; but when its envied laurels
were dipping to the grasp, when the heavy field called
for bloody work, he found the placid horizon, far and
away beyond the cavalry, more lovely and inviting. He
wanted command of the Second Corps, and, succeeding to
it, held the honored position until General Lee found, at
last, that he must dismiss him from field service.
General Lee ordered Johnson's division of his left, oc-
cupying part of the enemy's trenches about Gulp's Hill,
to be reinforced during the night of the 2d by two brigades
of Ilodes's division and one of Early's division. Why the
376 FROM 3IAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX,
other brigades of those divisions were not sent does not
aj)j>ear, but it does appear that there was a place for them
on Johnson's left, in the trenches that were vacated by
the Federal Twelfth Corps when c?alled over to reinforce
the battle of Meade's left. Gulp's Hill bore the same re-
lations to the enemy's right as Little Round Top did to
his left. General Fitzhugh Lee quotes evidence from
General Meade that had Gulp's Hill been occupied, in
force, by Gonfederates, it would have compelled the with-
drawal of the Federal troops.*
General Meade, after the battle of his left, ordered the
divisions of his Twelfth Gorps back to their trenches, to
recover the parts occupied by the Confederate left. It
was night when the First Division api)roaclied. General
Ruger, commanding, thought to feel his way through the
dark by a line of skirmishers. He found the east end of
his trenches, across the swale, unoccupied, and took pos-
session. Pressing his adventure, he found the main line of
his works occupied by the Gonfederates in force, and dis-
posed his command to wait for daylight. The Second Di-
vision came during the night, when General Williams,
commanding the corps, posted it on the left of the First,
and the division commanders ordered batteries in proper
positions.
During the night. General Meade held a council, which
decided to fight it out. So it began to look as if the vicis-
situdes of the day had so worked as to ciiU General Meade
from defensive to aggressive battle for Gulp's Hill. But
the Gonfederates failed to see the opportunity and force
the issue as it was presented.
In General Meade's evidence before the Gommittee on
the Conduct of the War, he puts his losses of the first
and second days at twenty thousand, and assigns two-
thirds of these to the battle of the 2d. As the fighting
^ Geuerui Lee, by Fitzhugh Lee (note), p. 299.
GETTYSBURG — SECOND DAY. 377
against the three brigades of our left after night, and two
brigades, later in the night, from our centre, could not
have been very severe,* I claim that his loss in the battle
of his left was from twelve to fourteen thousand.
As events of the battle of the 2d passed, it seems fair
to claim that with Pickett's brigades present at the mo-
ment of Wofford's advance for the gorge at Little Round
Top, we could have had it before Crawford was there.
Under ordinary circumstances this account of the sec-
ond day, made from the records, would be conclusive ; but
the battle of Gettysburg, which may be called the epitome
of the w^ar, has been the subject of many contentions of
words. Knights of the quill have consumed many of
tlieir peaceful hours in publishing their plans for the
battle, endeavoring to forestall the records and to find a
scapegoat, and tlieir representations may be given, though
they do not deserve it, a word of reply.
General W. N. Pendleton led off when making a lec-
turing tour through the South for a memorial church for
General Lee. He claims that he made a reconnoissance
on the afternoon of the 1st of July, and that upon his
reporting it. General Lee ordered General Longstreet to
attack at sunrise the next day. He did not venture to
charge that the Second and Third Corps, that were on the
field and had had a good night's rest, were part of the
command ordered for the early battle, for tlie commanders,
both Virginians, and not under the political ban, could
have brought confusing evidence against him ; nor did he
intend to put General Lee in the anomalous position,
inferentially, of ordering part of the First Corps — that
shoukl march through the night and all night — to make
the battle alone. The point of battle was east of the
Emmitsburg road ; to find it, it was necessary to cross
that road, but General Sickles wns moving part of his
* L088 less thau three thousaud during the three days.
378 FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
corps over the road during that afternoon, and rested
there the latter part of the day and during the night. So,
to make the reconnoissanee, General Pendleton passed the
Union troops in Confederate uniform — he was military in
his dress — ^and found the point of battle. Giving him
credit, for the moment, for this delicate work and the
mythical order, let us find the end to w^hich it would lead.
The only troops that could come under the order were
McLaws's division, part of Hood's, and the artillery, —
about ten thousand men. These, after a hurried all-night's
march, reached General Lee's head-quarters about sunrise
of the 2d, and by continued forced march could have
reached the point of battle, about five miles away, by seven
o'clock, where they would have encountered a division of
the Third Corps (Birney's) ; presently the Second and
Fifth Corps under Hancock and Sykes ; then the First,
Eleventh, and Twelfth under Newton, Howard, and Slo-
cum ; then the balance of the Third coming in on our
rear along the Emmitsburg road, — making sixty thou-
sand men and more. There was reason to be proud of
the prowess of the troops of the First Corps, but to credit
a part of it with success under the circumstances was not
reasonable.
That the Confederate Second Corps did not have orders
for the alleged sunrise battle is evidenced by the report of
its commander, who, accounting for his work about Gulp's
Hill during the night of the 1st and morning of the 2d,
reported of the morning, " It was now daylight, and too
late," meaning that it was too late for him to attack and
carry that hill, as General Lee had authorized and ex-
pected him to do during the night before. If he had been
ordered to take part in the sunrise battle, he would have
been in the nick of time. That the Third Corps was not
to be in it is evidenced by the position of the greater part
of it on Seminary Ridge until near noon of the 2d. So
General Lee must have ordered a }>osition carried, at sun-
GETTYSBURG — SECOND DAY. 375)
rise, by ten thousand men, after it had gathered strength
all night, — a position that he would not assault on the
afternoon of the 1st with forty thousand men, lest they
should encounter ** overwhelming numbers/' *
As the other corps, after receiving their orders for the
general battle of the 2d, failed to engage until after
nightfall, it is not probable that they would have found
the sunrise battle without orders.
General Pendleton's official report is in conflict with
his memorial lecture. In the former he makes no refer-
ence to the sunrise-battle order, but mentions the route
by which the left of the enemy could be turned.
Letters from the active members of General Lee's staff
and from his military secretary. General A. L. Long, show
that the sunrise battle was not ordered, and a letter from
Colonel Fairfax shows that the claim that it was so
ordered was set up after General Lee's death.f
* His official report.
t Following are the essential portions of the letters referred to, af-
fording unquestionable and overwhelming testimony against the claim
that Oeneral Longstreet was ordered to give battle ** at sunrise'' :
" Norfolk, Va., April 28, 1875.
" Dear General,— ... I can only say that I never before heard of
the ' sunrise attack' you were to have made, as charged by General Pen-
dleton. If such an order was given you I never knew of it, or it has
strangely escaped my memory. I think it more than probable that if
General Lee had had your troops available the evening previous to the
day of which you speak, he would have ordered an early attack, but
this does not touch the point at issue. I regard it as a great mistake on
the part of those who, perhaps because of political differences, now
undertake to criticise and attack your war record. Such conduct is
most ungenerous, and I am sure meets the disapprobation of all good
Confederates with whom I have had the pleasure of associating in the
daily walks of life.
** Yours, very respectfully,
"W.H. Taylor."
** University of Virginia, May 11, 1876.
'* General James Longstreet :
** Dear General,— ... I did not know of any order for an attack
on the enemy at sunrise on the 2d, nor can I lielieve any huqU order was
issued by General Lee. AlK)Ut sunrise on the 2d of July I was sent by
380 FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
In a published account, General Long mentions my
suggestion on the afternoon of the 1st for the turning
General Iah} to Geiierul Ewell to ask liiin what he thouglit of the ad-
vantages of an attack on the enemy from his position. (Colonel Mar-
shall had IxH'n sent with a similar order on the night of the 1st.) Gen-
eral Ewell made me ride with him from point to point of his lines, so as
to see with him the exaet position of things. Before he got through the
examination of the enemy's ])osition, General Lee eame himself to Gen-
eral Ewell's lines. In winding the message to General Ewell, General
Lee was explicit in saying that the question was whether he should
move all the troops around on the right and attack on that side. I do
not think that the errand on which I was sent by the commanding gen-
eral is consistent with the idea of an attack at sunrise by any |)ortion
of the army.
*' Yours, very truly,
*' Charlfs S. Vknabjle."
*• Baltimore, Md., May 7, 1875.
*' Dear General, — . . . T have uo personal' recollection of the order
to which you refer. It certainly was not conveyed by me, nor is there
anything in General Lee's otHcial report to show the attack on the 2<1
was expected by him to begin earlier, except that he notices that there
was not proper concert of action on that day. . . .
**Resj>ect fully,
" Charles Marshall."
" Big Island, Bedford, Va., May 31, 1875.
•*Dear General,— ... I do not recollect of hearing of an order to
attack at sunrise, or at any other designated hour, pending the opera-
tions at Gettysburg during the first three days of July, 1863. . . .
** Yours truly,
** A. L. Long."
** Freestone P. O., Prince William County, Va.,
** November 12, 1877.
**My dear General Longstreet,— . . . The winter after the death
of Gteneral Lee I was in Lexington, visiting my sons at the V. M. I.
General Pendleton called to see me at the hot4'l. General Custis JLee
was in my room when became in. After Gteneral Lee left, Cireneral Pen-
dleton asked me if General Longstreet was not ordered to attack on the
2d of July at Gettysburg at six o'clock in the morning, and did not attack
until four o'clock in the evening. I told him it was not iKissible. When
he left me I was under the imi)ression I had convinced him of his mis-
taken idea. I told General Pendleton that you and Gkjneral Lee were
together the greater part of the day up to about three o'clock or lat^r ;
that you separated at the mouth of a lane not long thereafter. You
said to me, * Those troops will Ix* in position by the time you get there ;
tell General Ho(m1 to attack.' When I gave the order to General Hood
he was standing within a step or two of his line of battle. I asked him
rSETTYSBURG— SEC'OXD DAY. 381
march around the enemy's left, which he .says, "after
consideration, was rejected."
Colonel Taylor claims that the attack by the Confed-
erate right should have been sooner, and should have met
the enemy back on his first or original line, and before
Little Round Top was occupied. But Little Round Top
wiis not occupied in force until after my battle opened,
and General Sickles's advance to his forward lines was
made in consequence of the Confederate threatening, and
would have been sooner or later according as that threat-
enhig was made. He calls the message of General Lee to
General Ewell on the afternoon of the 1st an order. Gen-
eral Lee says, —
^*Tlie strong position which the enemy had aKsnnied could not
be attacked without danger of exposing the four divisions present,
exhausted by a long and bloody struggle, to overwhelming num-
iH^rs of fresh troops. General Powell was thereupon instructed to
carry the hill occupied by the enemy if he found it practicable.''
It is the custom of military service to accept instruc-
tions of a commander as orders, but when they are coupled
with conditions that transfer the responsibility of battle
and defeat to the subordinate, they are not orders, and
General Ewell was justifiable in not making attack that
his commander would not order, and the censure of his
failure is unjust and very ungoierous.
to please delay his attack until I couM communicate to General Long-
street that he can turn the enemy, — pointing to a gorge in the moun-
tain, where we would be sheltered from his view and attack by his cav-
alry. General Hood slapped me on the knee and said, * I agree with
you,— bring General Longstreet to see for himself.' Wlien I reporti?d
to you, your answer was, * It is General Lee's order ; the time is up,—
attack at once.' I lost no time in repeating the same to General Hood,
and remained with him to see the attack, whieli was made inst^intly.
We had a beautiful view of the enemy's left from Hood's position, which
was close up to him. He gave way quickly. General Hood charged,
and I spurred to report to you ; found you with hat in iiand cheering
on General McLaws's division. . . .
** Truly your friend,
** John W. Fairfax."
r)82 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
The Virginia writers have been so eager in their search
for a flaw in the conduct of the battle of the First Corps
that they overlook the only point into which they could
liave tlirust their pens.
At the opening of the fight, Greneral Meade was with
General Sickles discussing the feasibility of moving the
Third Corps back to tlie line originally assigned for it,
but the discussion was cut short by the opening of the
Confederate battle. If that opening had been delayed
thirty or forty minutes the corps would have been drawn
back to the general line, and my first deployment would
have enveloped Little Round Top and carried it before it
could have been strongly manned, and General Meade
would have drawn off to his line selected behind Pipe
Creek. The point should have been that the battle was
opened too soon.
Another point from which they seek comfort is that
Sedgwick's corps (Sixth) was not up until a late hour of
the 2d, and would not have been on the field for an ear-
lier battle. But Sedgwick was not engaged in the late
battle, and could have been back at Manchester, so far as
the afternoon battle was concerned. And they harp a
little on the delay of thirty minutes for Law's brigade to
join its division. But General Lee called for the two
divisions, and had called for Law's brigade to join his
division. It was therefore his order for the division that
delayed the march. To have gone without it would have
justified censure. As we were not strong enough for the
work w^ith that brigade, it is not probable that we could
have accomplished more without it.
Colonel Taylor says that General Lee urged that the
march of my troops should be hastened, and was chafed
at their non-appearance. Not one word did he utter to
me of their march until he gave his orders at eleven
o'clock for the move to his right. Orders for the troops
to hasten their march of the 1st were sent without even a
GETTYSBrnO — SECOND DAY. 383
suggestion from liiiii, but upon his announcement that he
intended to figlit the next day, if the enemy was there.*
* Upon the various matters of this momentous day, which iiave been
subject of controversy, the following testimony from J. 8. D. Cullen is
interesting and important :
** Richmond, Va., May 18, 1875.
"General James Longstrbet:
**Dear General., — ... It was an astounding announcement totiie
survivors of tlie First Army Corps that tlie disaster and failure at Get-
tysburg was alone and solely due to its commander, and that had he
obeyed the orders of the commander-in-chief Meade's army wouhi
have been beaten befi»re its entire force had a.ssembled, and its final
discomfiture thereby made certain. It is a little strange that these
cliarges were not made while General Lee was alive to substantiate or
disprove them, and that seven years or more were permitted to pass by
in silence regarding them. You are fortunate in being able to call upon
the adjutant-general and the two confidential oflScers of General Lee's
staff' for their testimony in the case, and I do not think that you will
have any reason to fear their evidence. They knew every order that
was issued for that battle, when and where attacks were to be made,
who were slow in attacking, and who did not make attacks that were
expected to be made. I liope, for tlie sake of history and for your brave
military record, that a quietus will at once be put on this subject. I
distinctly remember the appearance in our head-quarters camp of the
scout who brought from Frederick the first account that General Lee
had of the definite whereabouts of the enemy ; of the excitement at
General Lee's head-quarters among couriers, quartt»rmasters, commis-
saries, etc., all betokening some early movement of the commands de-
pendent upon the news brought by the scout. That afternoon General
Lee was walking with some of us in the road in front of his hea<l-<iuar-
ters, and said, * To-morrow, gentlemen, we will not move to Harrisburg
as we expected, but will go over to Gettysburg and see what General
Meade is after.' Orders had then been issued to the corps to move at
sunrise on the morning of the next day, and promptly at that time the
corps was put on the road. The troops moved slowly a short distance
when they were stopped by Swell's wagon-trains and Johnson's division
turning into tlie road in front of them, making their way from som^*
point north to Cash town or Gettysburg. How many hours we were de-
tained I am unable to say, but it must have been many, for I remember
eating a lunch or dinner before moving again. Being anxious to see
you, T rode rapidly by the troops (who, as soon as they could get into
the road, pushed hurriedly by us also), and overtook you about dark at
the hill this side of Gettysburg, about half a mile from the town. You
had been at the front with General Lee, and were returning t^) your
camp, a mile or two back. I spoke very exultlngly of the victory we
were thought to have obtained that day, but was surprised to find that
' you did not take the same cheerful view of it that I did, and presently
yoa remarked that it would have been better had we not fought than to
384 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
That he was excited and oft* his halaiiee was evident on
the afternoon of the 1st, and he hd)ored under that op-
pression until enough blood was shed to appease him.
have left undone what we did. You swiid that the enemy were left oc-
cupying a position that it would take the wliole army to drive tlieni
from and tlienat a great sacritice. We soon reacihed tlie camp, tiiree
miles, perhaps, fnmi Gettysburg, and found the column near by. Orders
were issued to ite ready to march at * daybreak,' or some earlier liour,
next morning. About tliree o'clock in the morning, while the stars
were shining, you left your head-quarters an<l rode to General Lei^'s,
where I found you sitting with him coffer sunrlite looking at the enemy
ou Cemetery Hill. ..."
** I am yours, very truly,
** J. S. D. CULLEN."
CHAPTER XXVIIL
GETTYSBURG — THIRD DAY.
The Stroke of Arms that shook the Continent— Lon^treet opposed the
Attack as planned and made — The Confederate Column of Assault —
It was weak in Numbers but strong in Spirit— Tremendous Artillery
Combat begins the Day's Fighting— Charge of Generals Pickett, Trim-
ble, and Pettlgrew— Armistead falls by the Side of the Federal Guns —
The Federal Cavalry Charge of General Farnsworth— The Com-
mander falls with Five Mortal Wounds— Could the Assaulting Column
have been safely augmented from Longstreet's Right?— Testimony
as to that Point— Where rested the Responsibility for Disaster?— Criti-
cism of the Battle as a whole— Cemetery Hill stronger than Marye's
Hill at Fredericksburg— Controverted Points -Casualties of the Three
Days' Fight— Organization of the Forces engaged.
General Lee reported of arrangements for the day, —
**The general plan was unchanged. Longstreet, reinforced by
Pickett's three brigades, which arrived near the battle-field during
the afternoon of the 2d, was ordered to attack the next morning,
and General Ewell was ordered to attack the enemy's right aj)
the same time. The latter during the night reinforced General
Johnson with two brigades from Bodes' s and one from Early's
division.'' *
This is disingenuous. He did not give or send me
orders for the morning of the third day, nor did he rein-
force me by Pickett's brigades for morning attack. As his
head-quarters were about four miles from the command, I
did not ride over, but sent, to report the work of the
second day. In the absence of orders, I had scouting
parties out during the night in search of a way by which
we might strike the enemy's left, and push it down towards
his centre. I found a way that gave some promise of re-
sults, and was about to move the command, when he rode
* Rebellion Record
25 885
nSfi FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
over 'Al\rv snnris<» avnl }j;av(* his nr<U*rs. His j)lan was to
assault the ciu^inv's left centre i)v a column to be com-
])oso(l of Mcl^nvs's and Hood's divisions reinforced by
Pickett's l)ri}i;ades.''' I tliought that it would not do; that
the [)oint had been fully tested the day before, by more
men, when all wen? fr(»sh ; that the enemy Avas there look-
ing for us, as we heard him during the night putting up
his defences ; that the divisions of McLaws and Hood
were holding a mile along the right of my line against
twenty thousand men, who would follow their w^ithcfrawal,
strike the flank of the assaulting column, crush it, and get
on our rear towards the Potomac River; that thirty thou-
sand men was the minimum of force necessary for the
work ; that even such force would need close eo-operation
on other |)arts of the line; that the column as he pro-
l)()sed to organize it would have only about thirteen thou-
sand men (the divisions having lost a third of their num-
bers the day before) ; that the column Avould have to
march a mile under concentrating battery lire, and a thou-
sand yards under long-range musketry ; that the condi-
tions were different from those in the days of Napoleon,
wdien field batteries had a range of six hundred yards
and musketry about sixty yards.
lie said the distance was not more than fourteen hundred
yards, (xeneral Meade's estimate was a mile or a mile
and a half (Captain Long, the guide of the field of Gtet-
tysburg in 1888, stated that it was a trifle over a mile).
He then concluded that the divisions of McLaAvs and
Hood could remain on the defensive line ; that he would
reinforce l)y divisions of the Third Corps and Pickett's
brigades, and stated the point to which the march should
be directed. I asked the strength of the column. He
stated fifteen thousand. Opinion was then expressed that
the fifteen thousand men who could make successful
* ** P\)ur Yoars with General Lee,»» W. H. Taylor, page 103.
\
OETTYSBCIUJ — THIRD DAY. 387
sault over that field had never been arrayed for battle ;
but he was impatient of listening, and tired of talking,
and nothing was left but to proceed. General Alexander
was ordered to arrange the batteries of the front of the
First and Third Cori)s, those of the Second were supposed
to be in position ; Colonel Walton was ordered to see that
the batteries of the First were supplied with ammunition,
and to prepare to give the signal-guns for the opening
combat. The infantry of the Third Corps to be assigned
were Heth's and Pettigrew's divisions and Wilcox's bri-
gade.
At the time of the conversation and arrangement of the
assault by the Confederate right, artillery fire was heard
on our extreme left. It seems that General Lee had sent
orders to General Ewell to renew his battle in the morn-
ing, which was intended, and directed, as a co-operation of
the attack he intended to order on his right, but General
Kuger, anticipating, opened his batteries against Ewell at
daylight. The Union divisions — Ruger's and Geary's —
were on broken lines, open towards the trenches held by
the Confederates, so that assault by our line would expase
the force to fire from the enemy's other line. Ruger had
occupied the trenches left vaciint on his right, and Geary
reached to his left under Greene, who held his line against
the attack of the day before. It seems that the Con-
federates failed to bring artillery up to their trenches, and
nuist make their fight Avith infantry, while on the Union
side there were some fifteen or tAventy guns playing, and
many more at hand if needed.
As the Union batteries opened, Johnson advanced and
assaulted the enemy's works on his right towards the centre
and the adjacent front of the new line, and held to that at-
tack with resolution, putting in fresh troops to help it from
time to time. Ruger put two regiments forward to feel the
way towards Johnson's left. They got into hot engage-
ment and were repulsed ; Johnson tried to follow, but was
.?».. -.-J
388 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
in turn forced back. He renewed his main attack again,
but unsuccessfully, and finally drew back to the trenches.
Ruger threw a regiment forward from his left which gained
the stone wall ; his division was then advanced, and it
recovered the entire line of trenches.
While this contention was in progress the troops ordered
for the column of assault were marching and finding posi-
tions under the crest of the ridge, where they could be
covered during the artillery combat. Alexander put a
battery of nine guns under the ridge and out of the
enemy's fire to be ased with the assaulting column.
General Lee said that the attack of his right was not
made as early as expected, — which he should not have said.
He knew that I did not believe that success w^as possible ;
that care and time should be taken to give the troops the
benefit of positions and the grounds ; and he should have
put an officer in charge who had more confidence in his
plan. Two-thirds of the troops were of other commands,
and there was no reason for putting the assaulting forces
under my charge. He had confidence in General Early,
who advised in favor of that end of the line for battle.
Knowing my want of confidence, he should have given the
benefit of his presence and his assistance in getting the
troops up, posting them, and arranging the batteries; but
he gave no orders or suggestions after his early designa-
tion of the point for which the column should march.
Fitzhugh Jjoe claims evidence that General Lee did not
even appear on that part of the field while the troops were
being assigned to position, a sino^ular indiflerence.
As the commands reported, Pickett was assigned on the
right, Kemper's and Garnett's brigades to be supported
by Armistead's ; Wilcox's brigade of the Third Corps in
echelon and guarding Pickett's right; Pettigrew's di-
vision on Pickett's left, 8upi>orte(l by the brigades of
Scales and Lane, under command of (jicneral Trimble,
The brigades of Pettigrew's division wore Archer's, Pet-
GETTYSBURG — THIRD DAY. 389
tigrew's, Brockenbrough's, and Davis's. (General Archer
having been taken prisoner on the 1st, his brigade was
under command of Colonel Fry ; General Scales being
wounded on the same day, his brigade was commanded
by Colonel Lowrance.) The ridge upon which the com-
mands were formed was not parallel to that upon which
the enemy stood, but bending west towards our left, while
the enemy's line bore northwest towards his right, so that
the left of the assaulting column formed some little dis-
tance farther from the enemy's line than the right. To
put the troops under the best cover during the artillery
combat they were thus posted for the march, but directed
to spread their steps as soon as the march opened the
field, and to gain places of correct alignment.
Meanwhile, the enemy's artillery on his extreme right
was in practice more or less active, but its meaning was
not known or reported, and the sharp-shooters of the
command on the right had a lively fusillade about eleven
o'clock, in which some of the artillery took part. The
order was that the right was to make the signal of battle.
General Lee reported that his left attacked before due
notice to wait for the opening could be given, which was
a mistake, inasmuch as the attack on his left was begun
by the Federals, which called his left to their w^ork.
General Meade was not apprehensive of that part of the
field, and only used the two divisions of the Twelfth
Corps, Shaler's brigade of the Sixth, and six regiments of
the First and Eleventh Corps in recovering the trenches
of his right, holding the other six corps for the battle of
his centre and left. He kncAv by the Confederate troops
on his right just where the strong battle was to be.
The director of artillery was asked to select a position
on his line from which he could note the eflTect of his
practice, and to advise General Pickett when the enemy's
fire was so disturbed as to call for the asisault. General
Pickett's was the division of direction, and he was ordered
olX) FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
to have a staflf-officcr or courier with the artillerv director
to bear notice of the momeut to advance.
The little affair between the skirmish lines quieted in a
short time, and also the noise on our extreme left. The
quiet fding of one or two of our batteries into position
emphasized the profound silence that prevailed during
our wait for final orders. Strong battle Avas in the air,
and the veterans of both sides swelled their breast.s to
gather nerve and strength to meet it. Division com-
manders were asked to go to the crest of the ridge and
take a careful view of the field, and to have their officei's
there to tell their men of it, and to prepare them for the
sight that was to burst upon them iis they mounted the
crest.
Just then a squadron of Union cavalry rode through
detachments of infantry posted at intervals in rear of my
right division. It w^as called a charge, but was probably
a reconnoissance.
Colonel Black had reported with a hundred of the First
South Carolina Cavalry, not all mounted, and a battery
of horse artillery, and was put across the Emmitsburg
road, supported by infantry, in front of Merritt's brigade
of ciivalrv.
When satisfied that the work of ])reparation was all
that it could be with the means at hand, I wrote Colonel
Walton, of the Washington Artillery, —
**Head QLAKTKRS, July 3, 1863.
*^ Colonel, — Let the batteries oi>en. Order great care and
precision iu firing. Wlien the batteries at the Peach Orchard
cannot l)e used against the point we intend to attack, let them
open on the enemy's on the rocky hill.
'*Most respectfully,
*MaMRS liONGSTKEET,
' ' Liculenani- (wnieraU Commanding. ' '
At the same time a note to Alexander directed that
Pi(*kett should not be called until the artillery practice
GETTYSBURG THIRD DAY. 391
indicated fair opportunity. Then I rode to a woodland
hard by, to lie down and study for some new^ thought
that might aid the assaulting column. In a few minutes
report came from Alexander that he would only be able to
judge of the effect of his fire by the return of that of the
enemy, as his infantry was not exposed to view, and the
smoke of the batteries would soon cover the field. He
asked, if there w^as an alternative, that it be carefully
considered before the batteries opened, as there was not
enough artillery ammunition for this and another trial if
this should not prove favorable.
He was informed that there was no alternative ; that I
could find no wav out of it ; that General Lee had con-
sidered and would listen to nothing else ; that orders had
gone for the guns to give signal for the batteries ; that he
should call the troops at the first opportunity or lull in
the enemy\s fire.
The signal-guns broke the silence, the blaze of the second
gun mingling in the smoke of the first, and salvoes rolled
to the left and repeated themselves, the enemy's fine metal
spreading its fire to the converging lines, ploughing the
trembling ground, plunging through the line of batteries,
and clouding the heavy air. The two or three hundred
guns seemed proud of their undivided honors and organ-
ized confusion. The Confederates had the benefit of
converging fire into the enemy's massed position, but the
superior metal of the enemy neutralized the advantage of
position. The brave and steady work progressed.
Before this the Confederates of the left Avere driven
from their captured trenches, and hope of their effective
cooperation with the battle of the right Avas last, but no
notice of it was sent to the right of the battle. They made
some further demonstrations, but they were of little effect.
Mcrritt's ciivalry brigade was in rear of my right, threat-
(»ning on the Emmitijburg road. Farnsworth's brigade
took position near Merritt's and close on my right rear.
o92 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Infantry regiments and batteries were broken off from
my front line and posted to guard on that flank and rear.
Not informed of the failure of the Confederates on the
left and the loss of their vantage-ground, we looked with
confidence for them to follow the orders of battle.
General Pickett rode to confer with Alexander, then to
the ground upon which I was resting, where he was soon
handed a slip of paper. After reading it he handed it to
me. It read :
** If you are coming at all, come at once, or I cannot give you
proper support, but the enemy's fire has not slackened at all. At
least eighteen guns are still firing from the cemetery itself.
''Alexandeb."
Pickett said, " General, shall I advance?"
The effort to speak the order failed, and I could only
indicate it by an affirmative bow.* He accepted the duty
with seeming confidence of success, leaped on his horse,
and rode gayly to his command. I mounted and spurred
for Alexander's post. He reix>rted that the batteries he
had reserved for the charge with the infantry had been
spirited away by General Lee's chief of artillery ; that the
ammunition of the batteries of position was so reduced
that he could not use them in proper support of the in-
fantry. He was ordered to stop the march at once and
fill up his ammunition-chests. But, alas I there was no
more ammunition to be had.
The order was imperative. The Confederate commander
had fixed his heart upon the work. Just then a num-
ber of the enemy's batteries hitched up and hauled off,
which gave a glimpse of unexpected hope. Encour-
aging messages were sent for the columns to hurry on,
* A sobriquet of my boyhood was " Peter." General Pickett had
written to the lady who afterwards became his wife, but had not
mailed his letter. After receiving his orders, he wrote on the envelope,
** If old Peter's nod means death, then good-by, and God bless you,
little one T'
GETTYSBURG THIRD DAY. 393
— and they were then on elastic springing step. General
Pickett, a graceful horseman, sat lightly in the saddle,
his brown locks flowing quite over his shoulders. Petti-
grew's division spread their steps and quickly rectified the
alignment, and the grand march moved bravely on. Gen-
eral Trimble mounted, adjusting his seat and reins as if
setting out on a pleasant afternoon ride. When aligned
to their places solid march wjis made down the slope and
past our batteries of position.
Confederate batteries put their fire over the heads of the
men as they moved down the slope, and continued to draw
the fire of the enemy until the smoke lifted and drifted to
the rear, when every gun wjis turned upon the infantry
columns. The batteries that had been drawn off were re-
placed by others that were fresh. Soldiers and officers
began to fall, some to rise no more, others to find their
way to the hospital tents. Single files were cut here and
there, then the gaps increased, and an occasional shot tore
wider openings, but, closing the gaps as quickly as made,
the march moved on. The divisions of McLaws and
Hood were ordered to move to closer lines for the enemy
on their front, to spring to the charge as soon as the breach
at the centre could be made. The enemy's right over-
reached my left and gave serious trouble. Brockenbrough's
brigade went down and Davis's in impetuous charge. The
general order required further assistance from the Third
Corps if needed, but no support appeared. General Lee
and the corps commander were there, but failed to order
help.
Colonel Latrobe was sent to General Trimble to have
his men fill the line of the broken brigades, and bravely
they repaired the damage. The enemy moved out against
the supporting brigade in Pickett's rear. Colonel Sorrel
was sent to have that move guarded, and Pickett was
drawn back to that contention. McLaAvs was ordered to
praaB bia left forward, but the direct fire of infantry and
ol)4 FROM 31 AX ASS AS TO APPOMATTOX.
cross-fire of artillery wiis telling fearfully on the front.
Colonel Fremantle ran uj) to offer congratulations on the
apparent success, but the big gaps in the ranks grew until
the lines were reduced to half their length. I called
his attention to the broken, struggling ranks. Trimble
mended the battle of the k^ft in handsome style, Imt on
the right the massing of the enemy grew stronger and
stronger. Brigadier Garnett was killed, Kemper and
Trimble were desperately wounded ; Generals Hancock
and Gibbon were wounded. General Lane succeeded
Trimble, and with Pettigrew held the battle of the left
in steady ranks.
Pickett's lines being nearer, the impact wiis heaviest
upon them. Most of the field officers were killed or
wounded. Colonel Whittle, of Armistead's brigade, who
had been shot through the right leg at Williamsburg
and lost his left arm at Malvern Hill, was shot through
the right arm, then brought down by a shot through his
left leg.
General Armistead, of the second line, spread his stei>s
to supply the places of fallen comrades. His colors cut
down, with a volley against the bristling line of bayonets,
he put his cap on his sword to guide the storm. The
enemy's massing, enveloping numbers held the struggle
until the noble Armistead fell beside the wheels of the
enemy's battery. Pettigrew was wounded, but held his
command.
General Pickett, finding the battle broken, while the
enemy was still reinforcing, called the troops off. There
was no indication of panic. The broken files marched
back in steady step. The effort was nobly made, and
failed from blows that could not be fended. Some of the
files were cut off from retreat by fire that swept the field
in their rear. Officers of my stiift*, sent forward with
orders, came back with their saddles and bridles in their
arms, Latrobc's horse was twice shot.
GETTYSBURG — THIRD DAY. 395
Looking confidently for advance of the enemy through
our open field, I rode to the line of batteries, resolved to
hold it until the last gun was lost. As I rode, the shells
screaming over my head and ploughing the ground under
my horse, an involuntary appeal went up that one of them
might take me from scenes of such awful responsibility ;
but the storm to be met left no time to think of one's self.
The battery officers were prepared ro meet the crisis, —
no move had been made for leaving the field. My old
acquaintance of Sharpsburg experience, Cai)tain Miller,
was walking up and down behind his guns, smoking his
pipe, directing his fire over the heads of our men as fast
as they were inside of the danger-line ; the other officers
ecpially firm and ready to defend to the last. A body of
skirmishers put out from the enemy's lines and advanced
some distance, but the batteries opened severe fire and
(h-ove it back. Our men passed the batteries in quiet
walk, and would rally, I knew, when they reached the
ridge from which they started.
General Lee was soon with us, and with staff'-officers
and others assisted in encouraging the men and getting
them together.
As the attack failed, General Kilpatrick put his cavalry
brigade under General Farnsworth on the charge through
the infantry detachment in rear of my right division.
The regiments of G. T. Anderson's brigade had been
I^osted at points in rear as guards against cavalry, and the
First Texas, Fourth and Fifteenth Alabama, and Bach-
man's and Reilly's b:\tteries were looking for that adven-
ture. Farnsworth had a rough ride over rocks and stone
fences, but bore on in spite of all, cutting and slashing
when he could get at the skirmishers or detachments. He
made a gallant ride along the rear of our right, but
was obliged to come under the infantry and artillery fire
at several points. He fell, pierced, it is said, by five
mortal wounds, Calls for him to surrender were made,
396 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
but the cavalry were not riding for that. The command
lost heavily, but claimed captives equal to their loss.
Kilpatrick's mistake was in not putting Farnsworth in
on Merritt's left, where he would have had an open ride,
and made more trouble than was ever made by a cavalry
brigade. Had the ride been followed by prompt advance
of the enemy's infantry in line beyond our right and
jmshed with vigor, they could have reached our line of
retreat. General Meade ordered his left, but delay in
getting the orders and preparing to get through the rough
grounds consumed time, and the move was abandoned.
The Fifth and Sixth Corps were in convenient position,
and would have had good ground for marching after get-
ting out of the rocky fastnesses of Round Top.
As w^e had no cavalry on our right, the Union cavalry
was held on their right to observe the Confederates under
Stuart, except Kili)atrick's division (and Custer's brigade
of that division was retained on their right). A little
while after the repulse of our infantry column, Stuart's
cavalry advanced and was met by Gregg's, and made one
of the severest and most stubborn fights of cavalry on
record. General Wade Hampton was severely wounded.
The Union forces held the field.
When affairs had quieted a little, and apprehension of
immediate counter-attack had passed, orders were sent the
divisions of McLaws and Hood to draw back and occupy
the lines from which they had advanced to engage tlie
battle of the second. Orders sent Benning's brigade by
the division staff were not understood, and Benning, under
the impression that he was to relieve part of McLaws's
division, which he thought was to be sent on other service,
ordered the Fifteenth Georgia Regiment to occupy that
position. When he received the second order he sent for
his detached regiment. Meanwhile, the enemy was feeling
the way to liis front, and l)efore Colonel DuBose received
his second order, the enemy was on his front and had
GETTYSBURG — THIRD DAY. 397
passed liis right and left flanks. The moment he received
the final order, Colonel DuBose made a running fight and
escaped with something more than half his men.
In regard to this, as to other battles in which the First
Corps was concerned, the knights of peaceful later days
liave been busy in search of points on which to lay charges
or make innuendoes of want of conduct of that corps.
General Early has been a picturesque figure in the combi-
nation, ready to champion any reports that could throw a
shadow over its record, but the charge most pleasing to
him was that of treason on the part of its commander.
The subject was lasting, piquant, and so consoling that
one is almost inclined to envy the comfort it gave him in
his latter days.
Colonel Taylor and members of the staff claim that
General Lee ordered that the divisions of McLaws and
Hood should be a part of the assaulting column. Of this
General Lee says, —
^* General Longstreet was delayed by a force occupying the
high, rocky hill on the enemy's extreme left, from which his
troops could be attacked from reverse as they advanced. His
operations had been embarrassed the day previously from the
same cause, and he now deemed it necessary to defend his flank
and rear with the divisions of Hood and McLaws. He was there-
fore reinforced by Heth's division and two brigades of Pender's,
to the command of which Major-General Trimble was assigned.
General Hill was directed to hold his line with the rest of the com-
mand, to afford General Longstreet further assistance if required,
and to avail himself of any success that might be gained."
Colonel Taylor says, —
*^ As our extreme right was comparatively safe, being well
posted, and not at all threatened, one of the divisions of Hood
and McLaws, and a greater part of the other, could be moved out
of the lines and be made to take part in the attack."
On this point I oflFer the evidence of General Warren
^^'^^^^^'^ ^ib'^lfiHHlil^ ^^ Investigation :
308 FFwOM MAXAS.SAS TO APPOMATTOX.
'^ General Meade had so arranged bis troops on our left during
the third day that nearly one-hjilf of our army wjis in reserve in
that position. It was a good, sheltered position, and a convenient
one from which to reiiiiorc-e other points otthe line, and when the
ivpulse of the enemy took place on that day, General Meade in-
tende<l to move forwaid all the forces he could get in hand an<l
assiiult the enemy in line. He ordered the advance of the Fifth
Corps, but it was carried so slowly that it did not amount to much,
if anything.''
General Hancock's evidence on that point is :
*' General Meade told me before the fight that if the enemy at-
tacked me, he intended to put the Fifth and Sixth Corps on the
enemv's flank.''
From which it is evident that the withdrawal of the di-
visions of my right, to be put in the column of assault,
would have been foUow^ed by those corps swinging around
and enveloping the assaulting columns and gaining Lee's
line of retreat.
Colonel Venable thinks it a mistake to have put Heth's
division in the assaulting column. He says, —
** They were terribly mistaken about Heth's division in this
planning. It had not recuperated, having suffered more than was
reported on the fii'st day."
But to accept for the moment Colonel Taylor's prem-
ises, the two divisions referred to would have swelled the
columns of assault to twenty-three thousand men. We
were alone in the battle as on the day before. The enemy
had seventy-five thousand men on strong ground, with
well-constructed defences. The Confederates would have
had to march a mile through the blaze of direct and
cross fire and break up an army of seventy-five thousand
well-seasoned troops, well defended by field-works !
A rough sketch of the positions of the forces about my
right and rear will help to show if it " was comparatively
safe, and not at all threatened."
GETTYSBURG — TIIIUD DAY.
399
General Gibbon's testimony in regard to the assaulting
columns of the 3d :
*' 1 was wounded about the time I suppose the enemy's second
line got into om* butteries, — probably a little before that. As
described to me afterwai'ds, the result, I think, will carry out my
idea in regard to it, because the enemy broke through, forced
back my weakest brigade under General Webb, got into our bat-
teries, and the men were so close that the officers on each side were
using their pistols on each other, and the men frequently clubbed
their muskets, and the clothes of men on both sides were burned
by the i>owder of exploding cartridges. An officer of my staff,
Lieutenant Hiuskell, had been sent by me, just previously to the
attack, to General Meade with a message that the enemy were
coming. He got back on the top of the hill hunting for me, and
was there when this brigade was forced back, and, without wait-
ing ordei-s from me, he rode off to the left and ordered all the
troops of the division there to the right. As they came up helter-
skelter, everybody for himself, with their officers among them,
they commenced firing upon these rebels as they were coming
into our lines."
Had the column been augmented by the divisions of
my right, its brave men might have penetrated far enough
to reach Johnson's Island as prisoners; their return to
General Lee by any other route is unlikely.
When engaged collecting the broken files after the re-
pulse, General Lee said to an officer who was assisting,
" It is all my fault."
A letter from Colonel W. M. Owen assures me that
400 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
General Lee repeated this remark at a roadside fire of
the Washington Artillery on the 5th of July. A letter
from General Lee during the winter of 1863-64 repeated
it in substance.*
Colonel T. J. Goree, of Texas, says upon the subject :
'*! was present^ however, just after Pickett's repulse, when
Geueral Lee so iiijignaniniously took all the blame of the disaster
upon himself. Another important circumstance, which I dis-
tinctly remember, was in the winter of 1863-64, when you sent
me from East Tennessee to Orange Court-House with some de-
spatches to General Lee. Upon my arrival there, Greneral Lee
asked me into his tent, where he was alone, with two or three
Northern i)apei*s on the table. He remarked that he had just
been reading the Northern reports of the battle of Gettysburg ;
that he had become satisfied from reading those reports that if he
had permitted yon to carry out your plan, instend of making the attack
on Cemetery HiU, he would huve been successful.^ ^
Further testimony comes from another source :
*^In East Tennessee, during the winter of 1863-64, you called
me into your quartere, and asked me to read a letter just received
from General Lee in which he used the following words : *Oh,
general, had I but followed your ad dee, instead of pursuing the
course that I did, how different ail tDOuld have been P You wished
me to bear this language in mind as your correspondence might
be lost.
^* Erasmus Taylob.
" Orange County, Va.*'
A contributor to Blackwood's Magazine reported, —
**But Lee's inaction after Fredericksburg was, as we have
called it, an unhappy or negative blunder. Undoubtedly the great-
est positive blunder of which he was ever guilty was the unneces-
sary onslaught which he gratuitously made against the strong
position into which, by accident, General Meade fell back at Get-
tysburg. We have good reason for saying that during the five
years of calm refleetion which General Lee passed at Lexington,
after the conclusion of the American war, his maladroit manipa-
* So Batiefied was General Lee on this point that he wrote to the Rich-
mond authorities, on his return to Culpeper Court-House with his army,
asking to be relieved from command by some younger officer.
GETTYSBURG — THIRD DAY. 401
latiou of tli<3 Confederate army during the Gettysburg campaign
was to him a matter of ceaseless self reproach.
. ** * If,' said he, on many occasions, * I had taken General Long-
street's advice on the eve of the second day of the battle of Get-
tysburg, and filed off the left corps of my army behind the right
corps, in the direction of Washington and Baltimore, along the
Emmitsburg road, the Confederates would to-day be a free
people.' " *
It is difficult to reconcile these facts with the reports
put out after his death by members of his family and of
his staflf, and post-bellum champions, that indicate his later
efforts to find points by which to so work up public opin-
ion as to shift the disaster to my shoulders.
It does not appear j even at this late day, that Cemetery
Ridge, if the Confederates had carried it, could have been
OS favorable for future military operations as was the posi-
tion they occupied about Seminary Ridge.
Some of the statements of the members of the staff
have been referred to. General Fitzhugh Lee claims evi-
dence that General Lee said that he would have gained
the battle if he had had General Jackson with him. But
he had Jackson in the Sharpsburg campaign, which waa
more awkward than that of Gettysburg.f In another
account Fitzhugh Lee wrote of General Lee, —
^* He told the father of the writer, his brother, that he was con-
trolled too far by the great confidence he felt in the fighting quali-
ties of his people, and by assurances of most of his higher officers. ' '
* Ekdectic Magazine, May, 1872.
t At Sliarpsburg, Qeneral Jackson left the field at seven o'clock in the
morning and did not return until four o'clock in the after noon, when he
was ordered with his command and the cavalry to turn and strike down
against the Union right. He started to execute the order, then gave it
up without even asking permission. He made a brave and gallant fight
in the morning, losing 1601 officers and men. But D. H. Hill was there
from the first to the last gun, losing from his division 1872 officers and
men. Jackson had the greater part of two divisions. But Hill was not a
Virginian, and it would not do to leave the field for refreshments. The
figures include Jackson's losses at Harper's Ferry and Sharpsburg;
Hill's at South Mountain and Sharpsburg.
26
402 FR<^)M MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Xo assurances were made from officers of the First
Corps, Imt rather ohjection.s. The only assurances that
liave come to light, to be identified, are those of General
Efirly, wlio advised the battle, but from the other end of
the line from his command^ which should have given
warning that it did not come from the heart of a true
wildier.
And this is the epitome of the Confederate battle. The
army when it set out on the campaign was all that could
be desire<l, (except that the arms were not all of the most
approved [)attern), but it was despoiled of two of its finest
l)riga<los, Jenkins's and Corse's of Pickett's division, and
was fought out by detail. The greatest number engaged
at any one time was on the first day, when twenty-six
thousand engaged twenty thousand of the First and part
of the Eleventh Corps. On the afternoon of the second
day about seventeen thousiuid were engaged on the right,
and at night about seven thousand on the left; then
later at night about three thousand near the centre. On
the third day about twelve thousand were engaged at day-
light and until near noon, and in the afternoon fifteen
thousand, — all of the work of the second and third days
against an army of seventy thousand and more of veteran
trooi)S in strong position defended by field-works.
General Lee was on the field from about three o'clock
of the afternoon of the first day. Every order given
the trooi)s of the First Corps on that field up to its
mar(»h on the forenoon of the 2d was issued in his pres-
en(»e. If the movements were not satisfactory in time and
speed of moving, it was his power, duty, and privilege
to apply the remedy, but it was not a part of a com-
mander's duty or privilege to witness things that did not
suit him, fail to apply the remedy, and go oflF and
grumble with his staff-officers about it. In their efforts to
show culpable delay in the movements of the First Corps
on the 2d, some of the Virginia writers endeavor to show
GETTYSBUrwG — TIIIKD DAY. 403
that General Lee did not even give me a guide to lead the
way to the field from which his battle was to be opened.
He certainly failed to go and look at it, and assist in se-
lecting the ground and i)reparing for action.
Fitzhugh Lee says of the second day, " Longstreet was
attacking the Marye's Hill of the position." * At Fred-
ericksburg, General Burnside attacked at Marye's Hill in
six or more successive assaults with some twenty or thirty
thousand against three brigades under McLaws and Ran-
som and the artillery ; he had about four hundred yards
to march from his covered ways about Fredericksburg to
Marye's Hill. When his last attack was repulsed in
the evening, he arranged and gave his orders for the at-
tack to be renewed in the morning, giving notice that he
would lead it with the Ninth Corps, but upon reports of
his officers abandoned it. General Lee's assaulting col-
umns of fifteen or twenty thousand had a march of three-
fourths of a mile to attack twice their number, better
defended than the three Confederate brigades at Marye's
Hill who drove back Burnside. The enemy on Cemetery
Hill was in a stronger position than the Confederates at
Marve's Hill.
Fitzhugh Ijee writes in the volume already quoted, —
^' Over the splendid scene of human courage and human sacri-
fice at Gettyslnu"g there arises ia the South an apparition, like
Banquo's ghost at Macbeth's banquet, which says the battle was
lost to the CJon federates because some one blundere<l.''
Call them Banquo, but their name is Legion. Weird
spirits keep midnight watch about the great boulders,
while unknown comrades stalk in ghostly ranks through
the black fastnesses of Devil's Den, wailing the lament,
" Some one blundered at Gettysburg ! Woe is me, whose
duty was to die !"
* '* General Lee," by Fitzhugh Lee. Marye's Hill was the stronghold at
Fredericksbarg, held by six thousand and attacke<l by thirty thousand ; at
Gettysbui^g the figures were reversed.
404 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX*
Fitzhugli Lee makes his plans, orders, and movements
to suit his purpose, and claims that they would have given
Gettysburg to the Confederates, but he is not likely to
convince any one outside of his coterie that over the
heights of Gettysburg was to be found honor for the
South.
General Meade said that the suggestion to work towards
his line of communication was sound " military sense/'
That utterance has been approved by subsequent fair
judgment, and it is that potent fact that draws the spiteful
fire of latter-day knights.
Forty thousand men, unsupported as w^e were, could
not have carried the position at Gettysburg. The enemy
^vas there. Officers and men knew their advantage, and
were resolved to stay until the hills came down over them.
It is simply out of the question for a lesser force to march
over broad, open fields and carry a fortified front occupied
by a greater force of seasoned troops.
Referring to the proposed move around the Union left
to cut the line of communication, a parallel in the Franco-
German war is appropriate. When the manoeuvres of
the campaign had pushed Marshal MacMahon's army
back to the road between Paris and Metz, the latter forti-
fied and occupied by the army under Marshal Bazaine,
MacMahon hesitated between Paris and Metz, and was
manoeuvred out of position to a point north of the line.
Von Moltke seized the opportunity and took position on
the line, which gave him shorter routes east and west. So
that MacMahon, to reach either point, must pass the Grer-
man forces under Von Moltke. He made a brave eflTort
to reach Metz, and Von Moltke, to maintain his advan-
tage, was called to skilful manoeuvre and several gallant
affiiirs, but succeeded in holding his advantage that must
call MacMahon to general engagement or surrender. Out-
generalled, and with a demoralized army, he thought the
latter his proper alternative.
GETTYSBURG — THIRD DAY. 405
The relative conditions of the armies were similar. The
Union army, beaten at Fredericksburg and Chancellors-
ville, and drawn from its aggressive campaign to defen-
sive work in Pennsylvania, had met disa^ster in its battle
of the 1st. If it had been outgeneralled, and dislodged
of position without further atfcick, it would have been in
poor condition to come in aggressive battle against its
adversary in well-chosen defensive grounds.
Again, in our own war, when the Union army carried
the Confederate works west of Petersburg on the 2d of
April, 1865, General Meade got his army together and
was about to march east to finish his work by the capture
of Petersburg. General Grant objected, — that the Con-
federates would retreat during the night ; at Petersburg
he would be behind them ; in his then position he would
be alongside of them, and have an even start, with better
prospect to strike across their march and force them to
general battle or surrender ; and he ordered arrangements
for the march west at daylight.
Even Napoleon Bonaparte, the first in the science and
greatest in the execution of the art of war, finally lost
grasp of his grandest thought:
" In war men are nothing; a man is everything."*
The Confederate chief at Gettysburg looked something
like Napoleon at Waterloo.
Fitzhugh Lee quotes evidence of Governor Carroll, of
Maryland, that General Lee said, " Longstreet is the
hardest man to move in my army."
It does not look like generalship to lose a battle and a
cause and then lay the responsibility upon others. He held
command and was supported by his government. If his
army did not suit him, his word could have changed it in
a minute. If he failed to apply the remedy, it was his
* Vide "The French under the First and Last Bonaparte;'' the
Second Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia under Stonewali Jack-
sou in 1862, in the Valley of Virginia, and J. A. £arly in 1864.
40G FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
fault. Some claim that hisj only fault as a general was
his tender, generous heart. But a heart in the right
l)laee looks more to the cause intrusted to its care than
for hidden ways by which to shift its responsibility
to the shoulders of those whose lives hang upon his
word.
When he set out on his first campaign (Chickahominy)
with the army, the key of the campaign was intrusted to
Genera] Jackson, who named the hour for the opening
and failed to meet his own appointment. At the time
he appointed, A. P. Hill's, D. H. Hill's, and Long-
street's commands were in position waiting. About eight
hours after his time he was up, but deliberately marched
past the engagement and went into camp, half a mile
or more behind the hot battle. He remained in his camp
next morning, and permitted the enemy, dislodged of his
position of the day before, to march by him to a strong
position at Gaines's Mill. When his column reached that
position, his leading division (D. H. Hill's) engaged the
enemy's right without orders. He called the division off
and put his command in position to intercept the enemy's
retreat towards the Pamunkey, from which he was after-
wards called to his part in the general engagement. The
next day he had the cavalry and part of his infantry in
search of the enemy's next move. At my head-quarters
were two clever young engineers who were sent to find
what the enemy was about. They were the first to report
the enemy's retreat towards James River. Orders were
given for Jackson to follow on the direct line of retreat,
also Magruder and Huger. My command was ordered
around through the outskirts of Richmond by the Darby-
town road to interpose between McClellan's army and the
James River, about twenty miles ; the other troops march-
ing by routes of about nine miles. We were in position
on the evening of the 29th of June, and stood in front of
the enemy all of the 30th, fighting a severe battle in the
GETTYSBURG — ^TllIKD DAY. 407
afternoon. Magruder and Huger got up after night, and
Jackson on the morning of the 1st. After tlie battle of
the 1st, Jackson, Magruder, and Huger were ordered in
direct pursuit along the route of retreat, my command by
the longer route of Nance's Store. Jackson's cohinin
and mine met on the evening of the 3d near Westover,
the enemy's new position.
At the Second Manassas my command relieved the
pressure against Jackson. He called on me for relief by
a route that would have taken an hour or an hour and a
half. A way was found by which he was relieved in
about thirty minutes. When relieved, he left the battle
on my hands. I was at Sharpsburg all day ; Jackson
only about two and a half hours. At Fredericksburg,
anticipating the move against him, half of my command
was ordered to swing off from my right and join in his
battle.
But General Lee's assertion seems to refer to the opera-
tions at Gettysburg, after Jackson had found his Happy
Home. Let us see how far this assertion is supported by
events. General Lee reported, —
^*Tlie advance of the enemy to the latter place (Gettysburg)
was unknown, and, the weather being inclement, the march was
conducted with a view to the comfort of the troops."
When, on the forenoon of the 2d, he decided upon his
plan, the Second Corps was deployed in the immediate front
of the enemy's line on our left, except two brigades sent
off by General Early. One division of the Third was
close on the right of the Second, all w^ithin thirty minutes'
march of the enemy's lines. Two divisions of the Third
Corps and two of the First were on Seminary Ridge.
When the order was announced the divisions on Seminary
Eidge had to find their positions and deploy to the right.
By the route ordered for the march it was five or six miles
to the point at which the battle was to be opened. The
408 FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
troops of the Third had a shorter route. The march of
the First was made in time for prompt deployment on the
right of the Third.
We were left to our own resources m finding ground
upon which to organize for battle. The enemy had
changed position somewhat after the march was ordered,
but as we were not informed of his position before the
march, we could not know of the change. The Confed-
erate commander did not care to ride near us, to give in-
formation of a change, to assist in preparing for attack,
nor to inquire if new and better combinations might be
made.
Four brigades of the right of the Third Corps were as-
signed as part of my command. The engagement was to
be general. My artillery combat was opened at three p.m.,
followed in half an hour by the infantry, and I made pro-
gressive battle until sundown. A division of the Second
Corps attacked on our left at nightfall, and later two bri-
gades. Other parts of the Second and Third Corps did
not move to the battle.
On the 3d I was ordered to organize the column of as-
sault, the other corps to co-operate and assist the battle.
There was an aflfair on the Confederate left before the as-
saulting columns were organized, brought on by attack of
the enemy. The iissaulting force marched at one p.m. Its
work has been described, but it is important to note that
neither of the other corps took part in the battle while
the Southern chief stood in view of the attack and near
the rear of those corps. So it looks as if the commander
of the Fii-st Corps was easier to move than any one in his
army, rather than harder, and his chief left him to fight
the battles alone.
After the retreat, and when resting on the south banks
of the Rapidan, reading of the progress of the march
of General Rosecrans's army towards Georgia, it seemed
sinful to lie there idle while our comrades in the West
k
GETTYSBURG THIRD DAY. 409
m
were so in need of assistance, and I wrote the Secretary
of War suggesting that a detachment shoukl be sent West
from the idle army. General Lee objected, but the sug-
gestion was ordered to be executed. In this instance the
subordinate was easier to move than his chief, though the
interests of the cause depended largely on the movement
of the latter.
The forces engaged at Gettysburg were :
Confederate. — According to the latest official accounts,
the Army of Northern Virginia, on the 31st of May,
numbered 74,468. The detachments that joined numbered
6400, making 80,868. Deducting the detachments left
in Virginia, — Jenkins's brigade, Pickett's division, 2300 ;
Corse's brigade, Pickett's division, 1700; detachments
from Second Corps and of cavalry, 1300, in all 5300, —
leaves the actual aggregate 75,568.
Union. — According to the reports of the 30th of June,
and making allowance for detachments that joined in the
interim in time to take part in the battle, the grand ag-
gregate was 100,000 * officers and men.
The Confederates lost many men after the battle, and
before they recrossed the Potomac, from the toils of the
march and the continuous and severe harassment of the
enemy's cavalry, which followed closely and in great force.
The casualties were :
CONFEDERATE.t
First Corps 7,539
Second Corps 5,937
Third Corps 6,735
Cavalry 1,426
Aggregate 21,637
* General Meade's monthly return for June 30 shows 99,131 '* present
for duty, equipped.^' The Comte de Paris estimates the force actually
on the field, including the Sixth Corps, which was in reserve, at
82,000.
t BebeUlon Becord, vol. xxvii.
iU) FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
UXIOX.*
First Corps 6,069
.St'foml ('«)rps 4,369
Thinl Coriw 4,211
Fifth CorpM 2,187
Sixth C'i»ri»s 342
Eleveiitli Corps 3,801
Twolftli Coriw 1,082
Cavalry 1,094
Statr 4
Aggregate 23,049
The organization of the contending armies at Gettys-
burg was as follows :
Akmy of Nokthekx V^iroinia, Genkkal Robert E. Lee,
(•r>MMANl>INO.
First Army Corps, Lieutex ant-General James Longstreet.
McLaws's Division, Maj.-Gen. Lafayette McLaws :— Ae;r«AaM'*« Bri-
f/adc^ Brig.-Gen. J. B. Kersliaw ; 2<i 8. C, Col. J. D. Kennedy, Lleut.-
Col. F. Galllard; 3<l S. C, Maj. R. C. Maffett, Col. J. D. Nance; 7th
H. C, Col. D. Wyatt Aiken ; 8th S. C, Col. J. \V. Henagan ; loth S. C,
Col. W. D. De 8aU8sure, Maj. William M. Gist ; 3d S. C. Battn., Lieut.-
iU)\, W. G. Rice. Barkftiiale^n Bri(/(idf\ Brig.-Gen. William Barksdale,
Col. B. G. Humphreys; 13lh Miss., Col. J. W. Carter; 17th Mitw., Col.
W. D. Holder, Lieut.-Col. John C. Fisi'r ; 18th Miss., Col. T. M. Griftln,
Lleut.-Col. W. H. Lus<» ; 21st Miss., Col. B. G. Humphreys. Srmnwj**8
Bri{/a(lf'^f Brig.-Gen. P. J. Semmes, Col. Goode Bryan ; 10th Ga., Col.
John B. Weenis ; 50th Ga., Col. W^ R. Manning ; Slst Ga., Col. E. Ball ;
63d Ga., Col. James P. Bimms. WoffonVs Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. W\ T.
Wottord ; 10th Ga., Col. Goode Bryan ; 18th Ga., Lieut.-Col. 8. Z. Ruff;
24th Ga., Col. RoU^t McMillan ; CobbM (Ga.) lA»gion, Lieut.-Col. Luther
J. Glenn ; Phillips (Ga.) Legion, Lieut.-Col. E. 8. Barclay. Artillery ^
Col. H. C. Cabell ; 1st N. C. Art, Batt. A, (^ipt. B. C. Manly ; Pulaski
(Ga.) Art., Capt. J. C. Eraser, Lieut. W. J. Furlong; 1st Richmond
Howitzers, Capt. E. 8. McCarthy ; Troup (Ga.) Art., Capt. H. H. Carl-
ton, Lieut. C. W. Motes.
Pickett*8 Division, Maj.-Gen. George E. Pickett :—G*arfM»//'« Bin-
gade^ Brig.-(.fen. R. B. Garnett, Maj. C. 8. Peyton ; 8th Va., Col. Eppa
Hunton ; 18th Va., Lieut.-Col. H. A. Carrington ; 19th Va., Col. Henry
* ReU'llion Rectord, vol. xxxvii. ])art i. p. 187.
t No reports on file for this brigade. Bryan was in command July 7,
and was probably 8emmes's innnediate successor. The commanders of
the Tenth, Fifty-first, and Fifty-third Georgia are given as reported for
June 22 and July 31. Manning re])orted in command of Fiftieth Georgia,
June 22. No commander reported on return for July 31.
GETTYSBURG THIRD DAY. 411
Gantt, Lk'Ut.-CoI. John T. Ellis; 28tli Va., Col. R C. Allen, Lieut.-Col.
William Watts ; 56th Va., Col. W. D. Stuart, Lieut.-Col. P. P. Slaughter.
Kcmper^s Bri{jctd(\ Brig.-Gten. J. L. Kemper, Col. Joseph Mayo, Jr. ; lat
Vu., Col. Lewis B. Williams, Lieut.-Col. F. G. Skinner; 3d Va., Col.
Joseph Mayo, Jr., Lieut.-Col. A. D. Callcote ; 7th Va., Col. W. T. Patton,
Lieut.-Col. C. C. Flowerrec; 11th Va., Maj. Kirkwood Otey ; 24th Va.,
Col. William K. Terry. ArmUtcad'a Brigade^ Brig.-Gcn. L. A. Armi-
stead. Col. W. R. Aylett ; 9th Va., Maj. John C. Owens ; 14th Va., Col.
James G. Hodges, Lieut.-Col. William White ; 38th Va., Col. E. C.
Edmonds, Lieut.-Col. P. B. Whittle ; 53d Va., Col. W. R. Aylett ; 67th Va.,
Col. John Bow^ie Magrudor. Artillery^ Maj. James Dearing ; Fauquier
(Va.) Art., Capt. R M. Stribling ; Hampden (Va.) Art., Capt. W. H.
Caskle ; Richmond Fayette Art., Capt. M. C. Macon ; Virginia Batt.,
Capt. Joseph G. Blount.
Hood's Division, Maj.-G^en. John B. Hood, Brig.-Gen. E. M. Law :—
Law^s Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. E. M. Law, Col. James L. Sheffield ; 4th Ala.,
Lieut.-Col. L. H. Scruggs ; 15th Ala., Col. William C. Gates, Capt. B. A.
Hill ; 44th Ala., Col. William F. Perry ; 47th Ala., Col. James W. Jack-
son, Lieut.-Col. M. J. Bulger, Maj. J. M. Campbell ; 48th Ala., Col.
James L. Sheffield, Capt. T. J. Eubanks. Robertson' a Brigade^ Brig.-
Gen. J. B. Robertson ; 3d Ark., Col. Van H. Manning, Lieut.-Col. R. S.
Taylor ; 1st Tex., Lieut.-Col. P. A. W<»rk ; 4th Tex., Col. J. C. G. Key,
Maj. J. P. Bane ; 5th Tex., Col. R M. Powell, Lieut.-Col. K. Bryan, Maj.
J. C. Rogers. Anderaon^s Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. George T. Anderson,
Lieut.-Col. William LufTman ; 7th Ga., Col. W. W. WMiite ; 8th Ga., Col.
John R. Towers ; «th Ga., Lieut.-Col. John C. Moungor, Maj. W. M.
Jones, Capt. George Hillyer ; 11th Ga., Col. F. H. Little, Lieut.-Col. Wil-
liam Lutinian, Maj. Henry D. McDaniel, Capt. William H. Mitchell ;
59th (ja., Col. Jack Brown, Capt. M. G. Bass. Bcnnhig^a Brigade, Brig.-
Gen. Henry L. Benuing ; 2d Ga., Lieut.-Col. William T. Harris, Maj. W.
S. Shepherd ; 15th Ga., Col. D. M. DuBose ; 17th Ga., Col. W. C. Hodges ;
20th Ga., Col. John A. Jones, Lieut.-Col. J. D. Waddell. Artillery^ Maj.
M. W. Henry ; Branch (N. C.) Art., Capt. A. C. Latham ; German (S.C.)
Art., Capt. William K. Bachman ; Palmetto (S. C.) Light Art., Capt.
Hugh R Garden ; Rowan (X. C.) Art., Capt. James Reilly.
Artillery Reserve, Col. J. B. Walton \— Alexander^ a Baffah'on,
Col. E. P. Alexander ; Ashland (Va.) Art., Capt. P. Woolfolk, Jr., Lieut.
James Woolfolk ; Bedford (Va.) Art., Capt. T. C.Jordan ; Brooks (S. C.)
Art., Lieut. S. C. Gilbert ; Madison (La.) Light Art., Capt. George V.
Moody; Va.Batt., Capt. W. W.Parker; Va. Batt, Capt.O.B. Taylor.
Wmhhigton {La.) ArtUlery, Maj. B. F. Eshleman ; First Co., Capt. C. W.
Squires ; Second Co., Capt. J. B. Richardson ; Third Co., Capt. M. B.
Miller ; Fourth Co., Capt. Joe Norcom, Lieut. H. A. Battles.
Second Army Corps, Lieutenaxt-General Richard S. Eweli^.
Eacort^ liandolph's Company Virginia Cavalry, Capt. William F.
Randolph.
Early's Division, Maj.-Gen. Jubal A. Early :—/fo;/«*« Brigade^
Brig.-Gen. Harry T. Hays ; 5th La., Alaj. Alexander Hart, Capt. T. H.
Biscoe ; Olh La., Lieut.-Col. Joseph Hanlon ; 7th La., Col. D. B. Penu ;
412 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
8th La., Col. T. D. Lewis, Lieut.-Col. A. de Blaoc, Maj. G. A. Lester ; 9th
La., Col. Leroy A. Stafford. Smithes Brigade^ Brlg.-Gen. William Smith ;
3l8t Va,, Col. John S. Hoffmau ; 49th Va., Lieut-Col. J. Catlett Gibson ;
52d Va., Lieut.-Col. James H. Skinner. Hoke's Brigade^ CoL Isaac E.
Avery, Col. A. C. Godwin ; 6th N. C, Maj. 8. McD. Tate ; Slst N. C,
Col. W. W. Kirkland ; 67th N. C, Col. A. C. Godwin. Gordon's Brigade, -
Brig.-Gen. J. B. Gordon ; 13th Ga., Col. James M. Smith ; 26th Ga., Col.
E.N. Atkinson ; 31st Ga., Col. Clement A. Evans; 38th Ga,, Capt. Wil-
liam L. McLeod ; 60th Ga., Capt. W. B. Jones ; 6l8t Ga., Col. John H.
Lamar. Ariillery, Lieut.-Col. H. P. Jones; Charlottesville (Va.) Art,
Capt James McD. Carrington ; Courtney (Va.) Art, Capt W. A. Tan-
ner ; Louisiana Guard Art, Capt. C. A. Green ; Staunton (Va,) Art.,
Capt A. W. Garber.
Johnson's Division, Maj.-Gen. Edward Johnson i—StenarVa Bri-
gade, Brig.-Gen. George H. Steuart ; 1st Md. Battn. Inf., Lieut.-Col. J.
R Herbert, Maj. W. W. Goldsborough, Capt J. P. Crane ; 1st N. C, Lieut
Col. H. A. Brown ; 3d N. C, Maj. W. M. Parsley ; 10th Va., Col. E. T.
H. Warren ; 23d Va., Lieut. Col. S. T. Walton ; 37th Va., Maj. H. C.
Wood. Sionewall Brigade, Brig.-Gen. James A. Walker ; 2d Va., CoL
J. Q. A. Nadenbousch ; 4th Va., Maj. William Terry ; 6th Va., Col. J. H.
S. Funk ; 27th Va., Lieut.-Col. D. M. Shriver ; 33d Va., Capt J. B, Gol-
laday. Kicholls's Brigade,* Col. J. M. Williams ; Ist La., Capt E. D.
Willett ; 2d La,, Lieut-Col. R. E. Burke ; 10th La., Maj. T. N. Powell ;
14th La., Lieut-Col. David Zable ; 15th La., Maj. Andrew Brady.
Jones's Brigade, Brig.-Gen. John M. Jones, Lieut.-Col. R. H. Dungan ;
21at Va., Capt W. P. Moseley ; 25th Va,, Col. J. C, Higginbotham, Lieut-
Col. J. A Robinson ; 42d Va,, Lieut-Col. R W. Withers, Capt a H.
Saunders ; 44th Va., Maj. N. Cobb, Capt T. R Buckner ; 48th Va., Lieut-
Col. R H. Dungan, Maj. Oscar White ; 50th Va,, Lieut-Col. L. H. N.
Salyer. Artilleri/, Maj. J. W. Latimer, Capt C. I. Raine ; 1st Md. Batt,
Capt William F. Dement ; Alleghany (Va.) Art, Capt^ J. C. Carpenter ;
Chesapeake (Md.) Art, Capt William D. Brown ; Lee (Va.) Batt, Capt
C. L Raine, liieut William W. Hardwicke.
RoDES^s Division, Maj.-Gen. R E. Rodes i^DanieVs Brigade, Brig.-
Gen. Junius Daniel ; 32d N. C, Col. E. C. Brabble ; 43d N. C, Col. T. a
Kenan, Lieut.-Col. W. G. Lewis; 45th N. C, Lieut-Col. S. H. Boyd,
Maj. John R. Winston, Capt A. H. Gallaway, Capt J. A. Hopkins ; 58d
N. C, Col. W. A. Owens ; 2d N. C. Battn., Lieut-Col. H. L. Andrews,
Capt Van Brown. Dolcs's Brigade, Brig.-Gen. George Doles ; 4th Ga.,
Lieut-Col. D. R E. Winn, Maj. W. H. Willis; 12th Ga., Col. Edward
Willis ; 2l8t Ga., Col. John T. Mercer ; 44th Ga., Col. S. P. Lumpkin,
Maj. W. H. Peebles. Ivrrson's Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Alfred Iverson ; 6th
N. C.,t Capt. Speight B. West, Capt Benjamin R)binson ; 12th N. C,
* The regimental commanders are given as reported for June 14.
t The four captains present (West, Robinson, James M. Taylor,Thoma8
N. Jordan) were reported as wounded July 1 ; Robinson and Taylor as
having rejoined July 2, but it does not appear who commanded during
Robinson's absence.
GETTYSBURG THIRD DAY. 413
Lieut.-0>l. W. S. Davis: 201h N. C.,* Licut.-C«.l. Nelson Slough, Cnpt.
LewiH T. Hicks; 1J3<1 N. ('.,t C?ol. T>. H. (Miristio, Capt. William H.
Johnston. Jia//i>irifr\s Ilriyodv,, J5rig.-(it'n. S. D. Uains4>nr ; lid N. C,
Maj. I). W. Hurtt, Ctipt. Janios T. 8caU's ; 4th N. C, Col. liryan Grimes ;
14th N. C, Col. R Tyler Bennett, Maj. Joseph H. Lambeth ; 30th N. C,
Col. Francis M. Parker, Maj. W. W. Sillers. O'NeaVs Brigade, Col. E.
A. O^Neal; 3d Ala., Col. C. A. Battle ; 5lh Ala., Col. J. M. Hall ; Gth
Ala., Col. J. N. Lightfoot, Capt. M. L. Bowie ; 12th Ala., Col. S. B.
Pickens ; 26th Ala., Lieut.-Col. John C. Goodgame. Artillery, Lieut.-Col.
Thomas H. Carter; Jeft* Davis (Ala.) Art., Capt. \V. J. Reese; King
William ( Va.) Art., Capt. W. P. Carter ; Morris (Va.) Art., Capt. R. C.
M. Page ; Orange (Va.) Art., Capt. C. W. Fry. Artillery Reserve, Col. J.
Thompson Brown; 1st Va, Art., Capt. Willis J. Dance; 2d Richmond
(Va.) Howitzers, Capt. David Watson ; 3d Richmond (Va.) Howitzers,
Capt. B. H. Smith, Jr. ; Powhatan (Va.) Art., Lieut. John M. Cunning-
ham ; Rockbridge (Va.) Art., Capt. A. Graham ; Salem (Va.) Art., Lieut.
C. B. Grlflfln ; Nelson's Battn., Lieut.-Col. William Nelson ; Amherst
(Va.) Art., Capt. T. J. Kirkpatrick ; Fluvanna (Va.) Art., Capt. J. L.
Massie ; Ga. Batt., Capt John Milledge, Jr.
Third ARiMY Corps, Lieutexant-Gexeral Ambrose P. Hill.
Anderson's Division, Maj.-Gen. R. H. Anderson :— Wilcox^ h Bri-
(fade. Brig. Gen. Cadmus M. Wilcox ; 8th Ala., Lieut.-Col. Hilary A.
Herbert ; 9th Ala., Capt. J. H. King ; 10th Ala., Col. William H. Forney,
Lieut.-Col. James E. Shelley ; 11th Ala., Col. J. C. C. Sanders, Lieut.-Col.
George E. Tayloe ; 14th Ala., Col. L. Pinokard, Lieut.-Col. James A.
Broome. Mahone's Brigade, Brig.-Gen. William Mahone ; Gth Va., Col.
George T. Rogers ; 12th Va., Col. D. A. Weisiger ; IGtIi Va., Col. Joseph
H. Ham ; 41st Va., Col. William A. Parham ; 61st Va., Col. V. D. Groner.
WrighVa Brigade, Brig.-Gen. A. R. Wright, Col. William Gilison ; 3d Ga.,
Col. E. J. Walker; 22d Ga,, Col. Joseph Wasden, Capt. B. C. McCurry ;
48th Ga., Col. William Gibson, Capt. M. R. Hall; 2<1 Ga. Battn., Maj.
George W. Ross, Capt. (/harles J. Moffett Pcrry^s Brigade, Cnl. David
Lang ; 2d Fla., Maj. W. R. Moore ; 6th Fla., Capt. R. N. CJardner ; 8th
Fla., Col. David Lang. Posey^s Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Carnot Posey ; 12th
Miss., Col. W. H. Taylor ; 16th Miss., Col. Samuel E. Baker ; 19tii Miss.,
Col. N. II. Harris ; 48th Miss., Col. Joseph M. Jayne. Artillery (Snmtrr
Battalion), Maj. John Lane ; Co. A, Capt. Hugh M. Ross ; Co. B, Capt.
George M. Patterson ; Co. C, Capt. John T. Wingfleld.
Heth*s Division, Maj.-Gen. Henrj' Heth, Brig.-Gen. J.J. Pettigrew :
—First Brigade, Brig.-Gen. J.J. Pettigrew, Col. J. K. Marshall ; 11th
N. C, Col. Collett Leventhorpe ; 26th N. C, Col. Henry K. Burgwyn,
Jr., Capt. H. C. Albright ; 47th N.C., Col. G. H. Faribault ; o2d N. C,
Col. J. K. Marshall, Lieut.-Col. Marcus A. Parks. Second Brigade, Col.
* Lieutenant-Colonel Slough and Major John 8. Brooks reported as
wounded at four P.M., July 1.
t Colonel Christie, Lieutenant-Colonel R D. Johnston, Major C. C.
Blacknall, and the senior captain (Abner D. Pearee) reported as
wounded early in the fight, July 1.
414 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
J. INI. Rrockonbrough ; 40th Va., Capt. T. K. n«'tts, Capt. R B. Davis;
47th Va., Col. Robert M. Mayo ; 55th Va., Col. W. 8. CliriHtian ; 22(1 Va.
Battn., Maj. John B. JiowleH. Third Brigade ^ Brig.-Geu. Juiiii»H J. Ar-
cher, Col. n. D. Fry, Lieiit.-Col. S. G. Shepanl ; 18th Ala., C<»1. B. D.
Fry ; 5th Ala. Battn., Maj. A. S. Van de Graatt'; 1st Tenn. (provisional
army), Maj. Felix G. Buchanan ; 7th Tenn., Lieut.-Col. S. G. Shepard ;
14th Tenn., Capt. B. L. Phillips. Fourth Bri(/ade^ Brig.-Gen. Joseph U.
Davis; 2d Miss., Col. J. M. Stone; 11th Miss., Col. F. M. Green ; 42<1
Miss., Col. H. R. Miller; 55th N. C, Col. J. K. Connally. ArtiUenj,
Lieut.-Col. John J. Garnett ; Donaldson ville (La.) Art, Capt. V^. Mau-
ri n ; Huger (Va.) Art., Capt. Joseph D. Moore ; Lewis (Va.) Art., Capt.
Jolin W. Lewis ; Norfolk Lijrht Art. Blues, Capt. C. R. Grandy.
Pkndkr's Division, Maj.-Gen. William D. Pender, Maj.-Gen. L R.
Trimble, Brig.-Gen. James H. Lane : — Firnt Brigade^ Col. Abner Per-
rin ; 1st S. C. (provisional army), Maj. C. W. McCrear^* ; Ist S. C. Rifles,
Capt. William M. Hadden ; 12th S. C, Col. John L. Miller ; 13th 8. C,
Lieut.-Col. B. T. Brockman ; 14th 8. C, Lieut.-Col. Joseph N. Brown.
Second Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. James H. Lane, Col. C. M. Averj' ; 7th
N.C., Capt. J. McLeod Turner, Capt. James G. Harris; 18th N.C., Col.
Jolin D. Barry ; 28th N. C, Col. 8. D. Lowe, Lieut.-Col. W. H. A. 8peer ;
33d N. C, Col. C. M. Avery ; 37th N. C, Col. W. M. Barbour. TfUrd
Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Edward L. Thomas ; 14th, a3th, 45th, and 49th Ga.,
Col. 8. T. Player. Fourth Brigade, Brig.-Gen. A. M. Scales, Lieut-Col.
G. T. Gordon, Col. W. Lee J. Lowrance ; 13th N. C, Col. J. H. Hyman,
liieut.-Col. H. A. Rogei-s; 16th N. C, Capt. L. W. 8towe ; 22d N. C,
Col. James Conner ; 34tli N. C, Col. William Lee J. Lowrance, Lieut.-
Col. G. T. Gordon ; 38tli N. C, Col. W. J. Hoke, Lieut.-Col. John Ash-
ford. Artillery, Maj. Wiliiam T. Poague ; Albemarle (Va.) Art., Capt.
James W. Wyatt ; Ciiarlotte (N. C.) Art., Capt. Joseph Graham ; Madi-
son (Miss.) Liglit Art., Cai)t. George Ward ; Virginia Batt., Capt. J. V.
Brooke.
Artillery Reskrve, Col. R. Lindsay* Walker :— Mcintosh^ a Battal-
ion, Maj. I). G. Mcintosh ; Danville (Va.) Art., Capt. R. 8. Rice ; Harda-
way (Ala.) Art., Capt. W. B. Hurt ; 2d Rockbridge (Va.) Art., Lieut.
8amuel Wallace ; Virginia Batt., Capt. M. Johnson. PegranVs Battal-
ion, Maj. W. J. Pegram, Capt. E. B. Jirunson ; Crenshaw (Va.) Batt. ;
Fredericksburg (Va.) Art., Capt. E. A. Marye ; Letcher (Va.) Art, Capt
T. A. Brander ; Pee Dee (8. C.) Art, Lieut William E. Zimmerman ;
Purcell (Va.) Art, Capt Joseph McGraw.
Cavalry.
8tu art's Division, Maj.-Gen. J. E. B. 8tuart .^Hampton^s Brigade^
Brig.-Gen. Wade Hampton, Col. L. 8. Baker ; 1st N. C, Col. L. 8. Baker ;
lat and 2d 8. C. ; Cobb's (Ga.) Legion, Jeff. Davis Legion, Phillips (Ga.)
Legion. Robertson^ s Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Beverly H. Robertson ; ♦ 4th
N. C, Col. D. D. Ferebee ; 5th N. C. Fitzhugh Lee's Brigade, Brig.-OeD.
Fitzhugh Lee ; 1st Md. Battn.,t Maj. Harry Gilmor, Maj. Ridgely Brown ;
* Commanded his own and W. E. Jones's brigade.
t Serving with EwelPs corps.
OETTYSBUllCi — THIRD DAY. 415
1st Vn., Col. Jamee H. Drake ; 2rt Va., C«l. T. T. Muiiford ; 3d Va., Col.
Thomas H. Owen ; 4th Vn., Col. Willinin C. Wickham ; 5tli Va., Col. T.
L. Bofiser. Jenkiiu'» Bi-iyade, Brlg.-Geii, A. G. JvnkiiiH, Ciil. M. J. Fit-
pii»)n ; 14th, 16th, and 17th Va. ; 34lh Va. Biittn., Lieiit.-Col. V. A.
Witcher; 3Cth Va. Bjittii. ; JackMOii's (Va.) Bull., Capt. Thomas K Jurk-
aou. Jone»'a Brigade, Brif;.-Gen. William E. Jones ; 6lh Va., MaJ. C. £.
Flouruoy; 7th Va., Lieut.-Col. Thoiiia-n Marshall ; lllh V(C, Col, L. 1,.
Lomax. W. IT. F. /.ce's Brigade, Oil. J. R Chambliss, Jr. ; 2d N. C. ;
9lh Va., Col. R L. T. Benle ; lOlh Va., Col. J. Luohis Davis ; 13th Va.
atuarVt Horxe ArlUtrri/, Maj. R F. Bcckliani ; Breathod's <Va.) Batt.,
Capt. James Breathed ; Chew's (Va.) Butt., (^apt, R. P. Chew ; Griffin's
(Mel.) Batt, Capt. W. H. Grifflii ; Hart's (S. C.) Batt., Capt. J. F. Hart ;
McGregor's (Va.) Batt, Cupt. W. M. McGregor ; Moorman's (Va.) Batt.,
Capt. M. N. Moorman.
Imboden's Commakh,* Brig.-Oen. J. D. Imboden ; 18tli Va. Cav., Col.
George W. Imboden ; 62d Va. Inf. (mounted). Col. George H. Smllh ;
Virginia Partisan Rangers, Capt. John H. McNeill ; Virginia Bait, Capt.
J. H. McClanaiian.
ARTir.TiEBYpt Brig.-Gen. W. N. Pendleton.
Abuy of the Potomac, Majok-General George G. Meade, U. S,
Army, commanding.
General Hbad-quarters -.—Cnminandof the Proro»t-Mar$hal-Oen-
eral, Brig.-General Marseiin R. Patrick ; B3d N. Y.,t Col. John H.
CrtH-kcr; 8th U.S. (8 cos.),t Cupt. Edwin W. H. Rfed ; 2d Pk. Cav., Col.
R. Butler Price ; 6th Pa. Cav., Cos. E and I, Capt James Starr ; Regular
Cav. (detachments from Ist, 2d, 5th, and 6th Regimenl«}.
Signal Corps, Capt. Lemuel B. Norton.
Guards AND Orderlies, Oneida (N.Y.) Cav., Capt Daniel P. Mann.
Artillery,! Brig.-Gen. Henry J. Hunt
Engineer Brigade,|| Brig.-GeiL Henry W. Benham :— 15th N. Y.
(3 COS.), Ma]. Walter L. Cassin ; SOlh N. Y., Col. William H. Pettes;
U. 8. Baltn., Capt. George H. Mendell.
First Army CoBPS,ir Major-Geneeal Abner Doubleday, Maj<hi-
General John Newton. General Head-quarterg, U\. Me. Cav.,
Co. L, Capt. Constantine Taylor.
First Division, Brig.-Gen. James 8. Wadsworth -.—Firtt Brigade,
Brlg.-Gen. Bolomon Meredith, Col. William W. Robinson ; 19th Ind.,
* Mounted.
t See battalions attached to corps and cavalry. % Not engaged.
\ See artillery brigades attached to army corjts and the reserves.
II Not engaged. With exception of the regular battalion, it was, July
1, and while at Besver Dam Creek, Md., ordered to Washington, D. C,
where it arrived July 8.
^ Hajor-Qeneral John F. Reynolds, of tbli oorpa, was killed July 1,
while in command of tht' kfi wing of the army ; Oentral Doubleday
commanded the corps July I, and Ui-nc-rul Newton, who was assigned
to that command un the Ist, superseded hlui July 'i.
41(5 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Col. 8inmi«'l J. Williams ; 2Uh Mich., Col. Henry A. Morrow, Capt^ Al-
l>ert M. Edwards ; 2d Wis., Col. Lucius Fairchild, Maj. John Mansfield,
Capt. (jJeorgt' II. Otis ; 6th Wis., Lieut-Col. Rufus R. Dawes ; 7th Wis.,
Col. Williaiii W. Robinson, Maj. Mark Fintiicum. Second Brigade,
Brij2^.-(.ten. Lysander Cutler ; 7th Ind., Col. Ira G. Grover ; 76th N. Y.,
Maj. Andrew J. Grover, Capt. John E. Cook ; 84th N. Y. (14th Militia),
Col. Edwapd B. Fowler ; 9oth N. Y, Col. George H. Biddle, Maj. Ed-
ward Pye ; 147th N. Y, Lieut. Col. Francis C. Miller, Maj. George Har-
ney ; 5Gth Pa. (9 cos.), Col. J. William Hofuiaun.
8h:cx)ND Division, Brig.-Oen. John C. Robinson :—jP/r8< Brigade^
Brig.-Gen. Gabriel R Paul, Col. Samuel H. Leonard, Col. Adrian R.
Root, Col. Richard Coulter, Col. Peter Lyle ; 16th Me., Col. CharleB
W. Tilden, Maj. Archii)ald D. Leavitt; 13th Mass., Col. Samuel H.
Leonard, Lieut.-Col. N. Walter Batchelder ; 94th N. Y, Col. Adrian R
lioot, Maj. Samuel A. Moffett ; 104th N. Y, Col. Gilbert G. Prey ; 107th
Pa., Lieut.-Col. James MacThomson, Capt. Emanuel D. Roath. Second
Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Henry Baxter ; 12th Mass., Col. James L. Bates,
Lieut.-Col. David Allen, Jr. ; 83d N. Y (9th Militia), Lieut-Col. Joseph
A. Moesch ; 97th N. Y, Col. Charles Wheelock, Maj. Charles North-
rup ; 11th Pa.,* Col. Richard Coulter, Capt. Benjamin F. Haines, Capt.
John V. Overmyer, 88th Pa., Maj. Benezet F. Foust, Capt. Henry White-
side ; 90th Pa., Col. Peter Lyle, Maj. Alfred J. Sellers.
Third Division, Brig.-Gen. Thomas A. Rowley, Maj.-Gten. Ahner
Doubleday :— First Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. Thomas A. Rowley, CoL Chap-
man Biddle ; 80th N. Y (20th Militia), Col. Theodore B. Gates ; 12l8t
Pa., Maj. Alexander Biddle, Col. Chapman Biddle; 142d Pa., CoL
Robert P. Cummins, Lieut.-Col. A. B. McCalmont ; 151st Pa., Lieut.-
Col. George F. McFarland, Capt. Walter L. Owens, Col. Harrison
Allen. Second Brigade, Col. Roy Stone, Col. Langhorne Wlster, CoL
Edmund L. Dana; 143d Pa., Col. Edmund L. Dana, Lieut-Col. John
D. Musser ; 149th Pa., Lieut.-Col. Walton D wight, Capt. James Glenn ;
150th Pa., Col. Langhorne Wister, Lieut.-Col. H. S. Huidekoper, Capt.
Cornelius C. Widdis. Third Brigade, Brig.-Gen. George J. Stannard,
Col. Francis V. Randall ; 12th Vt.,t Col. Asa P. Blunt; 13th Vt, CoL
Francis V. Randall, Maj. Joseph J. Boyuton, Lieut-Col. William D.
Munson ; 14th Vt., Col. William T. Nichols; 15th Vt,t Col. Redfield
Proctor; 16th Vt., Col. Wheelock G. Veazey. ArtUlery Brigade, Col.
Charles S. Wainwright ; Me. Light, 2d Batt B, Capt. James A. Hall ;
Me. Light, 5th Batt. E, Capt Greenleaf T. Stevens, Lieut. Edward N.
Whittier ; 1st N. Y. Light, Batt L,t Capt Gilbert H. Reynolds, Lieut.
George Breck ; Ist Pa. Light, Batt. B, Capt James H. Cooper ; 4th U. 8.,
Batt. B, Lieut. James Stewart
* Transferred, in the afternoon of July 1, to the First Brigade.
t Guarding trains, and not engaged in the battle.
X Battery E, First New York Light Artillery, attached.
OETTYSnUllli — TiURD DAY. 417
KkCONII AKMY CoHI'S,' MAJOK-GEMERAr. WiNFIELD 8. HaNCOCK,
Hrkiadirr-Oknkrai. John Oibbon. Oeneral ITe.nd-qunrlci-a, 6th
N. Y. Cav., CiiM. D uikI K, Cupt. Uiley Joliusoi).
First Division, Brlg.-Oeu. John C Caldwell -.—Firgf Brigade, Col.
Eilward E. Cnas, Col. H. Boyd McKeeii ; 5th N. H., Lieut.-Col. Charlea
E. Hnpgood ; 6lst N. ¥., Lieut.-Col. K. Oacar BroaUy ; 81st Pa., Col. H.
Boyrt McKecn, Lieut.-C()l. Amos Stjv.li ; H8th Pa., Lieut.-Col. Robert
MfFarlaiif. Second Brigade, Col. Patrick Ktlly ; 28tli Maaa., Col. R.
BjTiiea; B3d N. Y. (2 cos.), Lieut.-Col. Richard C. Beutley, CapL
Thomna Touhy ; 60th N. Y. (2 cog.), Cnpt. Richard Morooey, Lieut.
James J. Smith ; 88th N. Y. (2 cos.), Capt. Denis F. Burke ; 116th Pa.
(4 COS.), Muj. St. ClaLr A. Mulhollaud. r/uVdBri(farfe,Brig.-Gen. Sam-
uel K, Zook, Lieut.-Col. John Fraaer ; 52d N. Y., Lieut.-Col. C. G. Freu-
denherg, Capt. WHliara Scherrer ; 67th N. Y., Lleut.-Col. Alford B.
Chapmau ; 66th N. Y., Col. Orlando H. Morris, Lleut.-Col. John S.
Hanimell, Maj. Peter Nelson ; 140tli Pa., Col. Biehard P. Roberts, Lleut-
Col. John Fra.ser. fburfh Brigade, Col. John R. Brooke ; 27lh Conn.
(2eo8.), Lieut.-Col. Henry C. Merwin, Maj. James H. Coburn ; 2d Del.,
Col. William P. Bally, Capt Charles H. Chriatman ; 64th N. Y., Col.
Daniel G, Bingham, Maj. Leman W. Bradley ; 53d Pa., Lieut.-Col. Rich-
ardu McMlfha^l ; 14Sth Pa. (7 cos.), Col. Hiram L. Brown, Capt. John
W. Reynolds, Capt. Moses W. Oliver.
Second Division, Brig.-Oen. John Gibbon, Brig.-Gen. William Har-
row ;—/!!/•«( Brigade, Brig.-Gen. William Harrow, Col. Francis E.
Heath ; I9tli Me., Col. Francis E. Heath, Lieut.-Col. Henry W. Cun-
ningham ; I5th Mass., CoL George H. Ward, Lieut.-Col. George C. Jos-
lin ; 1st Minn.,t Col. William Colvill, Jr., Capt. Nathan 8. Messick, Capt.
Henry C. Coates; 82d N. Y. (2d MUltla), Lieut.-Col. James Huston,
Capt. John Darrow. Second Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Alexander 8. Webb ;
09th Pa., Col. Dennis O'Kane, Capt. William Davis ; 71st Pa., Col. Rich-
ard Penh Smith ; 72d Pa., Col. DeWitt C. Baxter, Lieut.-Col. Theodore
Hesser ; loeth Pa., Lieut.-Col. Wliliam L. Curry. Third Brigade, Col.
Norman J. Hall ; 19th Mass., Col. Arthur F. Devereux ; 20th Mass., Col.
Paul J. Revere, LleuL-Col. George N. Macy, Capt. Henry L. Abbott ;
7lh Mich., Lieut. Col. Amos E. Steele, Jr., Maj. Sylvanus W. Curtis;
42d N. Y., Col. James E. Mallon ; &9tb N. Y. (4 cos.), LieuL-Col. Max
A. Tlioman, Capt. William McFadden. Unattached, Mass. Bharp-
ehooters, 1st Ca, Capt. William Plumer, Lieut. Emeraon L. Blcknalt.
* After the death of General Reynolds, General Hancock was assigned
to the command of all the troops on the field of battle, relieving Gen-
eral Howard, who had succeeded General Reynolds. General Gibbon,
of the Second Division, asBumed command of the corps. These assign-
ments terminated on the evening of July 1. Similar changes in com-
manders occurred dtuing the battle of the 2d, when General Hancock
WM put In command of tlie Third Corps, in addition to that of hia own.
He wan wounded on the 3d, arid Brigadler-Oencriil William Haya was
aitign<;d lo thecoinmund of the corps.
t &d Company Mlnncsolti Sharpish oolcrs utliicht'd.
418 rUOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Third Division, Brig.-Gen. Aloxandor Hays i—Fimt Brigade^ Col.
Samuel S. Carroll ; 14th Ind., Col. John Coons; 4th Ohio, Lieut.-Col.
Leonard W. Carpenter ; 8th Ohio, Lieut-Col. Franklin Sawyer ; 7th W.
Va., Lieut. Col. Jonathan H. Lockwood. Second Brigade^ CoL Thomas
A. Smyth, Lieut. -Col. Francis E. Pierce ; 14th Conn., Maj. Theodore O.
Ellis ; 1st Di'l., Lieut. -Col. Edward P. Harris, Capt. Thomas P. Hizar,
Lieut. William Smith, Lieut. John T. DcmU ; 12th N. J., Maj. John T.
Hill ; 10th N. Y. (Battn.), Maj. George F. Hopper; 108th N. Y., Lieut.-
Col. Francis E. Pierce. Third BHr/ade, Col. George L. Wlllard, Col.
Eliakim Slierrill, Lieut.-Col. James M. Bull ; 39th N. Y. (4 coa.), Maj.
Hugo Hildebratidt; 111th N. Y., (N)l. Clinton D. McDougall, Lieut.-
Col. Isaac M. Lusk, Capt. Aaron P. Seeley ; 125th N. Y., Lieut.-Ool.
Levin Crandell ; 12<Jth N. Y., Col. Eliakini Sherrill, Lleut.-Col. James
M. Bull. ArdUtrif Brvjadc, Capt. John G. Hazard ; Ist N. Y'. Light,
Batt. B,* Lieut. AlU^rt S. Sheldon, Capt. James MeKny Rorty, Lieut.
Robert E. Rogers ; 1st R. I. Light, Batt. A, Capt. William A. Arnold ;
Ist R. I. Light, Batt. B, Lieut. T. Fred. Brown, Lieut. Walter S. Per-
rin ; 1st U. S., Batt. I, Lieut. George A. Woiwlruff, Lieut. TuUy Mo-
Crea ; 4th U. S., Batt A, Lieut. Alonzo H. Cushing, Sergt^ Frederick
Fuger.
Third Army Cori*s, Major-Gexeral Daniel E. Sickles, Major-
General David B. Birney.
First Divisiox, Maj.-Gen. David B. Birney, Brig.-Gen. J. H. Hobart
Ward i—Firnt Brir/ndr, Brig.-Gen. Charles K. Graham, Col. Andrew H.
Tippin ; 57tli Pa. (8 cos.), Col. Peter Sides, Capt. Alanson H. Nelson ; 63d
Pa., Maj. .Jolin A. Danka ; OSth Pa., Col. Andrew H. Tippin, Capt. Mil-
ton S. Davis(?), 10")th Pa., Col. Calvin A. Craig; 114th Pa., Licut.-Ci>l.
Frederick F, Cavad.i, Capt. Eihvard R. Boweii ; 141.st Pa., Col. Henry
J. Madill. Second Brigade, Brig.-Gen. J. H. Hobart Wanl, Col. Hiram
•Berdan ; 20th Ind., Coi. John Wheeler. Li(»ut.-Col. William C. L. Tay-
lor ; 3d Me., Col. Moses B. Lakeman ; 4th Me., Col. Elijah Walker, Capt.
Edwin Lil)l)y ; SOth N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Benjamiti L. Hlggins; 124th N.
Y., Col. A. Van Home Ellis, Lieut.-Col. Francis M. Cummins; 09th Pa.,
Maj. John W. Moore ; 1st U. S. Shari>-shooters, Col. Hinim Berdan,
Lieut.-Col. Caspar Trepp; 2d U. S. Sharp-shooters (8 cos.), Maj. Homer
R. Stoughton. Third Brigade, Col. P. Regis de Trobriand ; 17th Me.,
liieut.-Col. Charles B. Merrill ; 3<l Mich., Col. Byron R Pierce, Lieut.*
Col. Edwin S. Pierce ; 5th Mich., Lieut.-Col. John Pulford ; 40th N. Y.,
Col. Thomas W. Egan; 110th Pa. (G cos.), Lieut.-Col. David M. Jones,
Maj. Isaac Rogers.
Second Division, Brig.-Gen. Andrew A. Humphreys :—/Vr«/ Jiri»
gade, Brig.-Gen. Joseph B. Carr ; 1st Mass., Lieut.-Col. Clark B. Bald*
win; 11th Miu*s., Lieut.-Col. Porter D. Tripp; Kith Mass., Lleut.-Col.
Waldo Merriam, Capt. Matthew Donovan ; 12th Mass., Capt. John
F. Langley; 11th N. J., Col. Robert McAllister, Capt. Luther Martin,
* Transferred from Artillery Reserve, July 1 ; Fourteenth New York
Battery attached.
GKTTYSIUIKG — THIRD DAY. 410
Lieut. John Schoonover, Capt. William H. Lloyd, (.'upt. Samuel T.
Sleeper; 26th Pa., Maj. Robert L. Bmiine ; 84th Pa.,* Lieut.-Col. Mil-
ton 0pp. Second Brigade^ Col. William R. Brewster; 7()th N. Y.,
Col. J. Egbert Farniim ; 71st N. Y., Col. Henry L. Potter; 72a N. Y.,
Col. John S. Austin, Lieut.-Col. John Leonard ; 73d N. Y., Maj. Mi-
chael W. Burns; 74th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Thomas Holt; 120th N. Y.,
Lieut.-Col. Cornelius D. Westbrook, Maj. John R Tappen. 7'hird Bri-
gade, Col. George C. Burling; 2d N. H., Col. Edward L. Bailey; 5th
N. J., Col. William J. Sewell, Capt. Thomas C. Godfrey, Capt. Henry H.
Woolsey ; 6th N. J., Lleut.-Col. Stephen R. Gilkyson ; 7th N. J., Col.
Louis R. Francine, Maj. Frederick Cooper ; 8th N. J., Col. John Ramsey,
Capt. John G. Langston ; 115th Pa., Maj. John P. Dunne. ArtUlerij
Brigade^ Capt. George E. Randolph, Capt. A. Judson Clark ; N. J. Light,
2d Batt, Capt. A. Judson Clark, Lieut. Robert Sims; 1st N. Y. Light,
Batt. D, Capt George B. Winslow ; N. Y. Light, 4th Batt., Capt. James
E. Smith ; Ist R L Light, Batt. E, Lieut. John K. Bucklyn, Lieut. Ben-
jamin Freeborn ; 4th U. S., Batt. K, Lieut. Francis W. Seeley, Lieut.
Robert James.
Fifth Army Corps, Major-Gbneral George Sykes. General
Head-quarters^ 12th N. Y. Inf., Cos. D and E, Capt. Henry W. Rider ;
17th Pa. Cav., Cos. D and H, Capt. William Thompson.
First Division, Brlg.-Gten. James Barnes :— First Brigade, Col. Wil-
liam 8. Tilton ; 18th Mass., Col. Joseph Hayes; 22d Mass., Lieut.-Col.
Thomas Sherwin, Jr. ; 1st Mich., Col. Ira C. Abbott, Lieut.-Col. William
A. Throop ; 118th Pa., Lleut.-Col. James Gwyn. Second Brigade, Col.
Jacob B. Sweltzer ; 9th Mass., Col. Patrick R. Gulney ; 32d Mass., Col.
G. L. Prescott ; 4th Mich., Col. Harrison H. Jeffords, Lieut.-Col. Georpx*
W. Lumbard ; 62d Pa., Lieut-Col. James C. Hull. Third Brigade, Col.
Strong Vincent, Col. James C. Rice ; 20th Me., Col. Joshua li. Cham-
berlain ; 16th Mich., Col. Norval E. Welch ; 44tli N. Y., Col. James C.
Rice, Lieut.-Col. Freeman Conner ; 83d Pa., Capt. Orpheus S. Womhvard.
Second Division, Brig.-Gen. Roraeyn B. Ayres :— First Brigade, Col.
Hannibal Day ; 3d U. 8. (6 cos.), Capt. Henry W. Freedley, Capt. Rich-
ard G. Lay ; 4th U. 8. (4 cos.), Capt. Julius W. Adams, Jr. ; 6th U. S. (5
COS.), Capt. Levi C. Bootes; 12th U. S. (8 cos.), Capt. Thomas S. Dunn ;
14th U. 8. (8 COS.), Maj. Grotlus R Glddings. Second Brigade, Col. Sid-
ney Burbank ; 2d U. 8. (6 cos.), Maj. Arthur T. Lee, Capt. Samuel A.
McKee ; 7th U. 8. (4 cos.), Capt. David P. Hancock ; lOth U. S. (3 cos.),
Capt William Clinton ; 11th U. 8. (6 cos.), Maj. De Lancey Floyd-Jones ;
17th U. 8. (7 COS.), Lieut.-Col. J. Durell Greene. Third Brigade, Brig.-
Gen. Stephen H. Weed, Col. Kenner Garrard ; 140th N. Y., Col. Patrick
H. G'Rorke, Lieut-Col. Louis Ernst ; 146th N. Y., Col. Kenner Garrard,
Lieut-Col. David T. Jenkins ; 9l8t Pa., Lieut-Col. Joseph H. Slnex ;
155th Pa., Lieut-Col. John H. Cain.
Third Division, f Brig.-Gen. Samuel W. Crawford i— First Brigade,
* Guarding corps trains, and not engaged in the battle,
t Joined corps June 28. The Second Brigade left in the Department
of WiphinClcm.
v.v
420 FIIOM MANASSAS TO AIM»OMATTOX.
i\A. WilliMiii MrCaii.lh'ss; IM Ta. Hosi-m^M (0 (•«»*.). C%»1. Williuiii V.
Tallry ; lM Ta. R««s<TVfs, lii«'iit.-<'nl. (wrnrjro A. \V<XMl\vunl ; 6tli Pa. I^
MTvrs, Liriii.-C'nl. W('lliii;;loii H. Kiu ; l:>(h I*a. lle»orvt»«s Col. CliurLi*H
K Taylor, Maj. William iL Ilart.slioriic. Third Briyculc, Col. Joseph
\V. Fishor ; olli Pa. lU^i^TVi's, ljloiit.-C»»l. Oeorjre Dare ; 9th Pa. Ressorveff,
Lii'Ut.-Col. James McK. SiKxlj^rass ; lotli J*a. Kt?8ervi*8, Col. Ailonirain
J. Warnor; lltli Pa. li^'sorvi-s, Cul. Saiiiuei M. Jackson; 12tli Pa. Rtv
wrv»*s {\) COS.), Col. Martin I), irardin. ArtUtrri/ Jfri/fadr, Capt. AiigiLs-
tus P. Martin; Masr«. Liirht, 'M JJatt. C, Lioiit, Aanm F. Walcott; Ist
N. V. L\\rht^ Batt. (;, Capl. Almotit Harnes; l8t Ohio Light, Batt. L,
Capt. Frank C. Ciihhs ; oth IT. S., Jiatt. 1), Lieut. Charles E. Hazlett,
IjifUt. J^Mijamin F. Rittenhousi»; 5th U. K, Batt I, Lieut. Malboiie P.
Watson, Lieut. Cluirle.** C. Mael'onuell.
Sixth Army Coufs, ^rA.roR-OEXEUAL John Sedgwick. Oenertd
Ifffui-fjuitrfrrn, 1st X. J. C*av., Co. L, Ist Pa. Cav., Co. H, Capt. Wil-
liam S. Crafl.
First Division, Brij^.-Oen. Horatio G. Wright i—Pfovast Ouard, 4th
N. J. (S COS.), ('apt. William R. Maxwell. J'^rnt Bri{fade^ Brig. -Gen. A.
T. A. TorlHMt ; 1st N. J., Lieut.-Col. William Henry, Jr. ; 2d N. J.,Lleut.-
C(»l. Charles Wiebeeke ; 3d X. J., Col. Eihvanl L. Campbell ; 15th N. J.,
Col. William H. Pt»nrose, Second Brigade^ Brig.-CJeii. Joseph J. Bart-
lett ;* 5th Me., dA. Clark 8. Edwards; 121st N. Y., Col. Emory Upton ;
»5tli Pa., Lieut.-Col. Edwanl Carn»ll ; 90th Pa., Maj. William H. Lessi^.
TUird Brif/adCj Brig. -Gen. David A. Russell ; 6th Me., Col. Hiram Bum-
ham ; 4tith Pa. (4 cos.), Lieut.-Col. Thomas M. Hulings; 119th Pa., CoL
Peter C. Kllmaker ; 6!h Wis., dA. Thomas S. Allen.
Skc*oni) Division,! Brig.-Gen. Albion P. Howe :—/Sfecond Brigade^
Col. Lewis A. Grant; 2<i Vt., Col. Janu^s H. Walbridge; 3d VL, CoL
Thomas (). Si»aver ; 4th Vt., Col. Charles B. Stoughton ;6th Vt., Lieut.-
Col. John R. Lewis; (Uh Vt., (%)l. Elisha L. Barney. Third Brigatle,
l^rig.-CJi'n. Tht»mas H. Neill ; 7th Me. (0 cos.), Lieut.-Col. Selden Con-
nor ; 83d N. Y. (detaehment), C?apt. Henry J. Glflbrd ; 43d N. Y., Lieut.-
Col. .Tohn Wilson; 4!)th N. Y., Col. Daniel D. BldwelP, 77th N. Y.,
Lieut.-Col. Winsor B. French ; 01st Pa., Lieut.-Col. George F. Smith.
Third Division, Maj.-(fen. John Newton, J Brig.-Gen. Frank Wheatou:
—Fh'fif Brif/adr., Brig.-Gen. Alexander Shaler ; 65th N. Y., Col. Joseph
E. Hamblin ; 07th N. Y., Col. Nelson Cross ; 122d N. Y., Col. Silas Titus ;
23d Pa., Lieut.-(.V)1. John F. Glenn ; 82d Pa., Col. Isaac C. Bassett. &c-
oml Bri<j(id(\, Col. Henry L. Eustis; 7th Mass., Lieut.-Col. Franklin P.
Harlow ; Tenth Mass., Lieut.-Col. Joseph B. Pai-sons ; 37th Mass., Col.
Oliver Edwards ; 2d R. I., (;ol. Horatio Rogers. Jr. Third Brigade^
Brig.-Gen. Frank Wheaton, ViA, David J. Nevin ; 02d N. Y., Col. David
J. Nevin, Lieut.-Col. Theodore B. Hamilton ; 93d Pa., Maj. John I.
Nevin : 98th Pa., Maj. John B. Kohler ; 102d Pa.,? Col. John W. Pat-
* Also in (•ommand of the Third Brigade, Third Division, on July 3.
t No First Brigade in division. % See foot-note (1^), p. 415.
>f, (iuarding wagon-train at Westminster, and not engaged in the
battle.
:ii
GETTYSBURG — THIRD DAY. 421
toWon ; 139th Pa., Col. Frederick H. Collier, I.ieut.-Col. William H.
Moody. Artillery Brigade^ Col. Charles H. Tompkins ; Mass. Light,
Ist Butt. (A), Capt. William H. McCartney ; N. Y. Light, 1st Batt.,
Capt. Andrew Cowan ; N. Y. Light, 3d Batt., Capt. William A. Harn ;
Ist R. I. Light, Batt. C, Capt Richard Waterman ; 1st R. I. Light,
Batt. G, Capt. George W. Adams ; 2d U. 8., Batt. D, Lieut. Edward B.
Williston ; 2d U. 8., Batt. G, Lieut. John H. Butler ; 5th U. 8., Batt.
F, Lieut. Leonard Martin.
Eleventh Army Corps,* Major-General Oliver O. Howard.
General Ifcad-qiiarlers, 1st lud. Cav., Cos. I and K, Capt. Abram
Sharra ; 8th N. Y. Inf. (1 co.), Lieut. Herman Foerster.
First Division, Brig.-Gen. Francis C. Barlow, Brig.-Gen. Adelbert
Amea:— First Brigade^ Col. Leopold von Gilsa; 4rst N. Y. (9 cos.),
Lieut. -Col. Detleo von Einsiedel ; 54th N. Y., Maj. Stephen Kovacs,
Lieut. Ernst Poth(?) ; 68th N. Y., Col. Gotthilf Bourry ; 153(1 Pa., Maj.
John F. Frueauff. Second Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. Adelbert Ames, Col.
Andrew L. Harris ; 17th Conn., Lieut. -Col. Douglas Fowler, Maj. Allen
G. Brady ; 25th Ohio, Lieut.-Col. Jeremiah Williams ; Capt. Nathaniel
J. Manning, Lieut. William Maloney, Lieut. Israel White ; 75th Ohio,
Col. Andrew L. Harris, Capt. George B. Fox ; 107th Ohio, Col. 8eraphim
Meyer, Capt. John M. Lutz.
Second Division, Brig.-Gen. Adolph von Stein wehr i— -First Bri'
gade^ Col. Charles R. Coster ; 134th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Allan H. Jack-
son ; 154th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. D. B. Allen ; 27th Pa., Lieut.-Col. Lorenz
Cantador ; 73d Pa., Capt. D. F. Kelley. Second Brigade^ Col. Orland
Smith ; 33d Mass., Col. Adin B. Underwood ; 136th N. Y., Col. James
Wood, Jr. ; 65th Ohio, Col. Charles B. Gambee ; 73d Ohio, Lieut.-Col.
Richard Long.
Third Division, M^).-Gen. Carl Schurz i—Mrst Brigade^ Brig.-Gen.
Alex. Schimmelfennig, Col. George von Amsberg;82d 111., Lieut.-Col.
Edward 8. Salomon ; 45th N. Y., Col. George von Amsberg ; Lieut-Col.
Adolphus Dobke ; 157th N. Y., Col. Philip P. Brown, Jr. ; Blst Ohio,
Col. Stephen J. McGroarty ; 74th Pa., Col. Adolph von Hartung ;
Lieut.-Col. Alexander von Mitzel, Capt. Gustav Schleiter, Capt. Henry
Krauseneck. Second Brigade^ Col. W. Krzyzanowski ; 58th N. Y., Lieut.-
Col. August Otto, Capt Emll Koenig ; 119th N. Y., Col. John T. Lock-
man, Lieut.-Col. Edward F. Lloyd ; 82d Ohio, Col. James 8. Robinson,
Lieut-Col. David Thomson ; 75th Pa., Col. Francis Mahler, Maj. August
Ledig; 26th Wis., Lieut.-Col. Hans Boebel, Capt John W. Fuchs. Artil-
lery Brigade^ Maj. Thomas W. Osborn ; 1st N. Y. Light, Batt I, Capt
Michael Wiedrich ; N. Y. Light, 13th Batt, Lieut William Wheeler ; 1st
Ohio Light, Batt I., Capt. Hubert Dilger ; 1st Ohio Light, Batt K,
* During the interval between the death of General Reynolds and the
arrival of General HaDoock, on the afternoon of July 1, all the troops
on the field <tf battle were oommanded by General Howard, General
Sohun taking eommand of tlie Eleventh Corps, and General Schim-
mellbnnlf rfttjfc!
rJ2 rUOM JIAXASSA.S TO APrOMATTOX.
('ai>t. Lewis llicknian ; 4tli U. S., Butt. G, Lieut. Bayard Wilkeson,
Lioiit. p]ii}roiie A. Haneroft.
TWKLKTH ArMY<'<)KI»S, M.VJOK-iiKNKKAL HENRY W.SLOCUM,*BBIOA•
nIKK-(f KNKKAL Alphki's S. Williams. Provost Quardy 10th Me.
^4 ros.), ('apt. John 1). IWaiiisloy.
First Division, Brig.-Ocn. Alphous H. W i ilia ins, Brlg.-(}eu. Thomas
H. Ivii;;iT \—l'lrH( liritjdilc^ Col. Arc*hit>akl L. McDougaii ; 6th Coiin.,
Col. W. W. Parkir: anh Conn., Lieut.-Col. William B. Wooeter ; 8d
Mil., C«»l. Jos. M. Siulsbiirg; 123<l N. Y., Lieut.-Col. James C. Rogers,
Cai)t. Aflolphurt H. Tanner ; 14otli N. Y., Ct)l. E. L. Price ; 46tli Pa., Col.
Jainrs L. Si'lfridgr, Stcond Iinga(h\-f Brijif.-Gen. Henry H. Lockwood ;
1st Mil., Potomac Home Brigade, Col. William P. Muulsby ; Ist Md.,
Eastern Short', Col. Janu'sW^ilIaee ; loOth N. Y., Col. John H. Ketoham.
27iird Iirif/(t(b\ Brig.-Gen. Thomas H. Rugcr, Col. Sila4 Colgrove ; 27th
Ind., Col. Silas C«»lirrov(s Llont.-Ct)l. John R. Fesler; 2d Mass., Liieut.
Col. (Miark's U. Miidgr, Maj. Charlt'H F. Morse ; i;Uh N. J., Col. Ezra A.
Carman ; l()7lh N. Y., Col. Nirom M. Crane ; 3d WMs., Col. William
Haw ley.
Second Division, Brig.-Gen. John W. < ioary :—/'/>«< Brigade^ Col.
Charles Candy ; 5th Ohio, Col. John H. Patrick ; 7th Ohio, CuL Wiliiaiu
11. Creighton ; 2yth Oliio, Capt. Wilbur F. Stevens, Capt. Edward Hayes ;
nnth Ohio, Lieut.-Col. Eugene Powell ; 28th Pa., Capt. John Flynii ; 147th
J*a. (8 eos.), Lieut.-(-ol. Ario Pardcn;, Jr. Second Brigade,, Brig.-Qen.
Thomas L. Kane, Col. George A. Cobham, Jr. ; 29th Pa., Col. Wiliiaiu
Kiekards, Jr.; lOOtli Pa., (\ipt. ¥, L. Gimber ; 111th Pa., Lieut.-Col.
Thomas M. Walker, ('ol. (ieorgi* A. Cobham, Jr. Third Brigade^ Brig.-
Gen. (ieorge S. Grwne : WUh N. Y., Col. Al>el Godard ; 78th N. Y^
Lieut.-Col. Herbert von llammerstein ; 102il N. Y., Col. James C. Lane,
Capt. Lewis U. Stegnum ; l.S7tli N. Y., Col. David Ireland ; 149th N. Y.,
Col. Henry A. Hariium, Lieut.-Col. CInirles B. Randall. Artillery Bri^
gad*\ Lieut. Edward D. MuhlenUTg ; 1st N. Y. Light, Batt. M, Lieut.
Charles E. Wiiiegar ; Pa. Light, Batt. E, Lieut. Charles A. Atwell ; 4th
U.S., Batt. F, Lieut. Sylvanus T. Rugg ; oth U. S., Batt K, Lieut.
David H. Kinzie.
Cavalry Corps, Major-General Alfred Pleasonton.
First Division, Brig.-Gen. John Buford :— First Brigade, Col. Wil-
liam Gamble ; 8th III., Maj. John L. Beveridge ; 12th 111.(4 cos.), 8d
Ind. (« COS.), Col. (Jeorire H. Chapman ; 8th N. Y., liieut.-Col. William
L. Markell. Second Brigade, Col. Thomas C. Devin ; «th N. Y., MiJ.
William E. Beardsley ; Oth X. Y., Col. William Saekett ; 17th Pa., Col.
J. H. Kellogg; 3d W. Va. (2 <»os.), Capt. S4'ymour B. Conger. Reserve
Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Wesley Merritt ; <»tli Pa., Maj. James H. Haseitiue ;
* Exercised eomnumd of the right wing of the army during a part of
the battle.
t Unassigned during progress of battle ; afterwanls attached to First
Division, as See<»nil Krigade.
o
GETTYSBURG — THIRD DAY. 42»
Ist U. S., Capt. Richard S. C. Lord ; 2d U. S., Capt. T. F. Rodenbough ;
6th U. B., Capt. Julius W. Mason ; 6th U. S., Maj. Samuel H. Starr,
Lieut. Louis H. Carpenter, Lieut. Nicholas Nolan, Cai)t. Ira W. Claflin.
Sk(X)ND Division, Brig.-Gen. David McM. Gregg \— Head-quarters
Guards 1st Ohio, Co. A, Capt. Noah Jones. Flrnt Brigade^ Col. John B.
Mcintosh ; Ist Md. (11 cos.), Lieut.-Col. James M. Deems ; Purnell
(Md.) Legion, Co. A, Capt. Robert E. Duvall ; 1st Mass.,* Lieut.-Col.
Greely S. Curtis ; Ist N. J., Maj. M. H. Beaumont ; 1st Pa., Col. John P.
Taylor, 3d Pa,, Lieut.-Col. E. S. Jones ; 3d Pa. Heavy Art., Section Batt.
H,t Capt. W. D. R:ink. Second Brigade.X Col. Pennock Huey ; 2d N. Y.,
Lieut.-Col. Otto Harhaus ; 4th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Augustus Pruyn ; 6th
Ohio (10 COS.), Maj. William Stedmau ; 8tli Pa., Capt. William A. Cor-
rie. Third Brigade^ Col. J. Irvin Gregg; 1st Me. (10 cos.), Lieut.-Col.
Charles H. Smith ; 10th N. Y., Maj. M. Henry Avery ; 4th Pa., Lieut-
Col. William E. DosUt ; 16th Pa., Lieut.-Col. John K. Robison.
Third Division, Brig.-Gen. Judson l^\\\m{v\Q\i i — I read-quarters
Guardy 1st Ohio, Co. C, Capt. Samuel N. Stanford. First BrigadCj
Brig.-Gen. Elon J. Farnsworth, Col. Nathaniel P. Richmond ; 5th N.Y.,
Maj. John Hammond ; 18th Pa., Lieut.-Col. William P. Brinton ; 1st Vt.,
Lieut.-Col. Addison W. Preston ; 1st W. Va. (10 cos.). Col. Nathaniel P.
Richmond, Maj. Charles E. Capehart. Second Brigade^ Brig.-Gen.
George A. Custer ; 1st Mich., Col. George H. Town ; 5th Mich., Col. Rus-
sell A. Alger; 6th Mich., Col. George Gray; 7th Mich. (10 cos.), Col.
William D. Mann.
Horse Artillery :— -First Brigade^ Capt. James M. Robertson ; 9th
Mich. Batt., Capt. Jabez J. Daniels ; 6th N. Y. Batt., Capt. Joseph W.
Martin ; 2d U. S., Batts. B and L, Lieut. Edward Heaton ; 2(1 U. S.,
Batt. M, Lieut. A. C. M. Pennington, Jr. ; 4th U. S., Batt. E, Lieut
Samuel S. Elder. Second Brigade, Csipt John C. Tidball ; Ist U. S.,
Batt«. E and G, Capt. Alanson M. Randol ; 1st U. S., Batt. K, Capt.
William M. Graham ; 2tl U. 8., Batt. A, Lieut. John H. Calef ; 3d U. S.,
Batt. C, Lieut. William D. Fuller.?
Artillery Reserve, Brig.-Gen. Robert O. Tyler, Capt. James M.
Robertson. Head-quarters Guard, 32d Mass. Inf., Co. C, Capt. Joslah
C. Fuller. First Be^ular Brigade^ Capt. Dunbar R. Ransom ; 1st U. S.,
Batt. H, Lieut. Chandler P. Eakin, Lieut. Philip D. Mason ; 3d U. S.,
Batta. F and K, Lieut. John G. Turnbull ; 4th U. S., Batt. C, Lieut.
Evan Thomas ; 5th U. S., Batt. C, Lieut. Gulian V. Weir. First Volun-
teer Brigade, Lieut.-Col. Freeman McGilvery ; Mass. Light, 5th Batt.
(E),|| Capt. Charles A. Phillips; Mass. Light, 9th Batt., (^apt. John Bige-
low, Lieut Richanl 8. Milton; N. Y. Light, loth Batt., Capt. Patrick
Hart ; Pa. Light, Batts. C and F, Capt. James Tliompson. Second Vol-
unteer Brigade, Capt. Elijah D. Taft ; 1st Conn. Heavy, Batt. B,«[ Capt.
Albert F. Brooker ; Ist Conn. Heavy, Batt. M,^ Cai)t. Franklin A. Pratt;
* Served with the Sixth Army Corps, and on the right flank.
t Serving as light artillery.
X At Westminster, etc., and not engaged In the battle.
2 With Huey*s Cavalry Brigade, and not engaged in the battle.
II Tenth New York Battery attached. ^ Not engaged,
424 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Conn. Lifrht. 2<1 IJatt.. ('ai»t. John W. Slerliiig; N. Y. Light, 6th Batt,,
Capt. Klijah I). Taft. Third Vohintivr Brif/ade, Capt. Janieft F. Hiiii-
thiKtoii ; N. H. Light, l^t Batt., Capt. Frederick M. Edgell ; IhI Ohio
Light, Bate. 11, Liout. George W. N<»rt<Mi ; Ist Pa. Light, Batt«. Fauci
G, Capt. R. Bniw Kielvett« ; W. Va. Liglit, Batt. C, Capt. Wallace Hill.
Fourth Vohiutrrr Jinyadc, Capt. Robert H. Fitzhugli ; Me. Liglit, 6th
Bait. (F), Lieut. Edwin B. Dow ; Md. Light, Batt. A, Capt. James H.
Righy ; N. .1. Light, 1st Batt., Lieut. Augustus N. Parsons; Ist N.Y.
IJgiit, Batt. G, Capt. Nelson Ames; 1st N. Y. Light, Batt. K,» Capt.
Robert H. Fitzhugli. Train Guard, 4tli N. J. Inf. (7 cos.), Maj. Charles
Ewing.
PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS AND MiLITIA.
Calhd into Strvivc duriug the Getttjsburg Campaign,^
Emcrgcnri/ MilUi((.—l\\{\, Co. Cav. (Murray Troop), Capt. Frank A.
Murray ; Itid. Co. Cav. (First Pliiladelpliia City Tnwp), Capt. Samuel
J. Riindall ; In(i. Co. Cav. (Luzerne Rangers), Capt. Henry H. Brown ;
Ind. Co. Cav. (Wissahiclxon Cav.), Capt. Samuel W. Comly ; Ind, Co.
Cav. (Continental Troop), Cai)t. Allian II. Myers ; Ind. Co. Cav. (Curtin
Horse Guards), Capt. Jolin W. Jones ; Ind. Batt., Capt. E. 8pencer
Miller; Ind. Batt., Capt. Henry D. Landis ; LH)th Inf., Col. William B.
Thomas; 2f>th Inf., Col. William W. Jennings; 27th Inf., Col. Jacob
G. Frick ; 28th Inf., Col. James Chamlwrlin ; 29th Inf., Col. Joseph W.
Hawlcy ; ;X)th Inf., Col. William N. Monies ; 3l8t Inf., Col. John New-
kumet; ;J3<1 Inf. (Blue Rest»rves\ Col. William W. Taylor ; Ind. Battu.
Inf., Lieut.-Col. RolK?rt I/itzinger ; Ind. Co. Inf., Capt. John Spear;
Ind. Co. Inf., Capt. William B. Mann ; Ind. Co. Inf., Capt. James B.
German.
yinctij'DajfH' Militia,— lat Battn, Cav., Lieut.-Col. Riehard F. Mason ;
Ind. Co. Cav., Capt. James IM. Bell ; Ind. Co. Cav., Capt. William B.
Dick : Ind. Co. Cav. (Dana Troop), Capt. R. W. Hannnell ; Ind. Batt.,
Capt. Joseph M. Knap ; Ind. Batt., Capt. Benoni Frishnuith ; Ind.
Batt. Capt. W. C. Ermentrout ; Ind. Batt. (2il Keystone Batt.), Capt.
Eciwiird Fitzki ; Ind. Batt. ((^lester Co. Art.), Capt. George R. Guss;
32d Inf. (Gray Rtwrves), Col. Charles S. Smith ; 34th Inf., Col. Charles
Albright; 35th Inf., Col. Henry B. McKean ; 30th Inf., Col. Henry C.
Alleman ; 37th Inf., Col. John Trout ; 38th Inf., Col. Melehior H. Horn ;
39th Inf., Col. James Nngle ; 4(Kh Inf. (1st Coal RegtO, Col. Alfred Day ;
4l8t Inf., Col. Edward R. Mayer ; 42d Inf., Col. Charles H. Hunter ; 43d
Inf., Col. William W. Stott; 44th Inf. (Merchants^ Regt.K Vol Enos
W^oodward; 45th Inf., Col. James T. Clancy; 4fith Inf., Col. .lohn J.
Lawrence; 47th Inf., Col. James P. Wickersham ; 4Sth Inf., Col. John
B. Embich ; 49th Inf. (2d Corn Exchange), Col. Alexander Murpliy ;
* Eleventh New York Battery attached.
t The emergency militia ami the six months* volunteers were uiu»»
tere<i into the Cnited States service, and the ninety-days' militia into
the State service. Under act of Congress approved Ai»nl 12, 18(M5, the
State was reiml>ursed by the United States for money expended in pay-
men! of the latter tnH)ps.
GETTYSBURG — THIRD DAY. 425
50th Inf., Col. Emlen Franklin; olst Inf. {2d Coal Regt.), Col. Oliver
Hopkinson ; 52d Inf. (2d Union League), Col. William A. Gray ; 53d
Inf., Col. Henry Royer ; 54th Inf., Col. Thomas F. Gallagher ; 55th Inf.,
< ol. Robert B. McComb ; 56th Inf., Col. Samuel B. Dick ; 57th Inf., Col.
.James R. Porter; 58th Inf., Col. George H. Bemua ; 59th Inf. (3d Union
lA'ague), Col. George P. McLean ; 60th Inf., Col. William F. Small ;
Ind. Battn. Inf., Lieut.-Col. John McKeage ; Ind. Co. Inf., Capt. Joseph
K. Helmbold ; Ind. Co. Inf., Capt. Horace A. Beale ; Ind. Co. Inf.,
Ciipt. Benjamin T. Green; Ind. Co. Inf., Capt. David Mitchel; Ind.
Co. Inf., Capt. Osborn E. Btepliens; Ind. Co. Inf., Capt. William F.
Rich.
Six Months* Voluntccr8,—2ldih Cav., Col. John E. Wynkoop ; 21st Cav.,
Col. William H. Boyd ; 22il Cav. (Battn.), Maj. B. Mortimer Morrow ;
Ist Battn. Cav., Lieut.-Col. Richard C. Dale ; Ind. Batt. (Park Batt.),
Capt. Horatio K. Tyler ; Ind. Batt., Capt. W. H. Woodward ; Ind.
Batt., C-apt. Robert J. Nevin ; Ist Battn. Inf., Lieut.-Col. Joseph F,
Ramsey ; 2d Battn. Inf., Lieut.-Col. John C. Lininger : 3d Battn. Inf.,
I iieut.-Col. T. EUwood Zell ; Ind. Co. Inf., Capt Samuel T. Griffith ;
Ind. Co. Inf., Capt William M. Schrock.
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE WAVE ROLLS BACK.
Confeilorates retreat fmiii (lottysbiirj?— The Federals pursue— Croeisiiig
the Potomac under I)irt1eulties—Kili>at rick's Cavalry Dash on Petti-
>fre\v*8 C'oniniand— (tenenil litH? thought to rest his Army in the
Valley of Virjrinia, but Meade followed too fast— Engagements that
hanisstKl the Retreat— General Lee wished to be relieved of Com-
mand, but -President Davis would not consent to the Appointment of
JoM'pli E. Johnston or General Beauregard.
The armies rested on the " Fourth," — one under the
bright hiurels secured by the brave work of the day be-
fore, but in profound sorrow over the silent forms of the
liast of comrades who had fallen during those three fate-
ful days, whose blood bathed the thirsty fields of Get-
tysburg, made ehissie by the most stupendous clash of
conflict of that long and siinguinary war; while gentle
rain came to mellow the sod that marked the honored rest
of friend and foe ; the other, with broken spirits, turned
from fallen comrades to find safety away from the fields
that had been so promising of ennobling fruits. The
enemy had cast his lines on grounds too strong for lead
and steel, and, exhausted alike of aggressive force and
means of protracted defence, there was nothing left for
the vanquished but to march for distant homeward lines.
The cavalry left on the Blue Ridge joined the Con*
federate left late on the afternoon of the 3d. Orders for
retreat were issued before noon of the 4th, and trains of
wounded and other impedimenta were put in motion by
the Chambersburg and Fairfield routes, the army to march
after night by the latter, — the Second Corps as rear-guard,
the First to follow the Third and push on to secure the
crossings of the Potomac at Williamsport and Falling
Waters. It was daylight of the »Oth when \]w road was
k
THE WAVE ROLLS BACK, 427
open for the march of the First, and a later hour of the
morning before the Second could follow.
Pursuit was made by the enemy, led by cavalry and the
Sixth Corps, and the rear-guard had to deploy near Fair-
field to check it. Rain was helping us. Before the enemy
could get through the mud and push his batteries over the
boggy fields, our trains had reached the mountain gorge,
and the rear-guard was on the march following. Direct
pursuit of the solid ranks was changed to march down the
east of the mountains, but the firmer broad road gave the
Confederates easier march. Kilpatrick got his cavalry in
on the wagon-trains and destroyed a number, but did
not delay the march of the column.
On this retreat the army, already crippled of its pride,
yfna met by the dispiriting news of another defeat at
Vicksburg, which meant that the Mississippi was free to
the Federals from its source to the Gulf. Diverting inci-
dents occurred, but we were in poor mood for them. As
we approached Hagerstown, two grotesque figures stepped
into the road about a hundred yards in front of us,^-one
a negro of six feet and a hundred and eighty pounds, the
other a white man of about five feet seven. The negro
was dressed in full uniform of the Union infantry, the
white man in travel-stained butternut dry-goods. The
negro had a musket on his shoulder. Riding up to them,
it was observed that the musket was at the cock-notch.
The negro was reminded that it was unsoldier-like to have
the gun at a cock, but said that he wanted to be ready to
save and deliver his prisoner to the guard; it was his
proudest capture during the march, and he wanted credit
for it. The man was a recruit lately from abroad, and
did not seem to care whether or not he was with his com-
rades. However, there were doubts if he understood a
word that was said. The uniform was a tight fit, and
the shoes were evidently painful, but the black man
said that he could exchange them. lie was probably
4'J8 FROM .HA:^AS«iAS TO APP03fATT0X.
flif only man *>( the army who haJ a proud story to take
hoMH*.
The riiinn cavalrv rame ?«everelv uf)on our left flank
at Ifji;^»Tsto\vn, forc-inir Stuart to rail tor infantry support.
F'arfs r»f S<-mnH*s's an*l U. T. An<lerson's brigades were
.^•nt, cro.-iserl the Anti»-tam, and ha<l uneomtortable expe-
rience with the hor^eartiUerv near Funkstown. Thev had
dire eomphiints to make of the way c-avalrymen put them
in eohimnn of fours against batterie?*, when they could
have advan<'ed more raiadlv an<l efteetivelv in line of
l»attle and saved half of their men hjst.
FFjihing for rest near Falling Waters, a sudden alarm
was brought down the road by a eavalrynian riding at
speed, wln> reported all of the enemy's eavalry on a swee|>-
ing ride against us. The troops were thrown together to
wait, but the cavalry charge proved to be a carriage-load
of la<ly refugees. Som(» of the cavalry did get overiijx)n
the trains |»arked at Williamsport, but there were many
wound(»d near there who could handle their muskets,
manv infantrv up from Winchester, and some of Ini-
boden's cavalrv, besi<les some batteries who held the
ground, and Stuart eventually got up, when the enemy
drew off.
On the r)th and 7th the commands were up, and de-
ployed their lin(»s from Falling Waters to cover the bridge
and ford at Williamsport. But the river was full, past
fording at Williamsport, and a raiding party from Har-
per's Ferry had partially destroyed the l)ridge at Falling
Waters. Infantrv trenches were made alonff the lines,
batteries were ])ut in position, and we were ready in a day
or two to receive our successful adversary. He found
some mud along his route, and was not up initil the 12tli,
when he appeared and spread his lines along the Confed-
erate front, but positions were changed, — he had the longer
outer curve, while the (/(mfederates were on the concen-
trating inner lines. He made his (iehl-works and other
THE WAVE ROLLS BACK. 420
arraiigenieiits, liad sonic reinforcemoiit.s since his battle^
and was well organized.
On the forenoon of tlie 13th, General Lee sent for me,
and announced that the river was fordable and the bridge
repaired, that the trains would be started at once, and the
troops would follow when night could conceal the move.
The First and Third Corps were to cross by the bridge,
the Second by the ford. As the lines were comfortable,
the roads heavy, it occurred to me that the hurried move
during a single night would be troublesome ; suggestion
was ofiFered that the trains and wounded should move over
during the night, and give us easy march the next night,
but the waters on the other side were high, and only
enough mills running to supply food from day to day, and
the weather treacherous, so the general thought it better to
hurry on. The march by the Williamsport crossing over
the firm, broad turnpike was made without trouble. The
route to the bridge was over a new road ; at the ends of
the bridge were green willow poles to prevent the wheels
cutting through the mud, but the soil underneath was wet
and soggy under the long season of rain, and before night
rain again began to fall.
General Lee, worn by the strain of the past two weeks,
asked me to remain at the bridge and look to the work
of the night. And such a night is seldom experienced
even in the rough life of the soldier. The rain fell in
showers, sometimes in blinding sheets, during the entire
night ; the wagons cut deep in the mud during the early
hours, and began to " stall" going down the hill, and one
or two of the batteries were " stalled" before they reached
the bridge. The best standing points were ankle-deep in
mud, and the roads half-way to the knee, puddling and
getting worse. We could only keep three or four torches
alight, and those were dimmed at times when heavy rains
came. Then, to crown our troubles, a load of the wounded
came down, missed the end of the bridge, and plunged
4o0 FUOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
the wagon into the raging torrent. Right at the end of
the bridge the water was three feet deep, and the current
swift and surging. It did not seem possible that a man
could be saved, but every one who could get tlirougli the
mud and water rushed to their relief, and Providence was
there to bring teal's of joy to the sufferers. The wagon
was righted and on the bridge and rolled off to Virginia's
banks. The ground under the poles l)ecame so puddled
before daylight that they would bend under the wheels
and feet of the animals until they could bend no farther,
and then would occasionally slip to one side far enough to
spring up and catch a horse's foot and throw him broad-
side in the puddled mud. Under the trials and vexations
every one was exhausted of patience, the general and staff
were ready for a family quarrel as the only relief for their
pent-up trouble, when daylight came, and with it General
Lee to relieve and give us opportunity for a little repose.
The division of the Third Corps under General Hetli
formed the rear of the infantry line, which was to be
covered by Fitzhugh Ijee's cavalry. But the cavalry
brigadier rode off and crossed the river, leaving, it is said,
a squadron for the duty, and the squadron followed the
example of the brigadier. The consequence was that
Avhen Kilpatrick's cavalry rode up it was taken to be the
Confederates ordered for their rear-guard. Instead of
friends, however, General Heth found a foe. He was sur-
prised by a dashing cavalry charge. General Pettigrew
was wounded, and died after a few days. Some artillery,
three standards (of the Virginia infantry), and a large
number of prisoners were taken. General Meade claimed
two thousand.
General Lee thought to occupy the gaps of the Blue
Ridge by his cavalry, and rest his army in the Valley of
Virginia, in threatening lines against Washington City, but
found the Shenandoah River full and past fording, and
before the tide began to recede General Meade crossed the
THK WAVE ROLLS BACK. 431
Potomac east of the Blue Ridge and began to occupy the
gaps, which called for a southern march of the Confeder-
ates. On the 19th my command was ordered to Millwood
to secure, if possible, Ashby's Gap, but as the enemy's
cavalry was on tlie opposite bank, and tlie waters were too
hij^h for us to get over, we marched on to Manassas, then
for Chester Gap. As high up as Front Royal the river
was found past fording, but part of a pontoon bridge was
at hand. General Corse, who had joined us, hurried and
succeeded in getting his brigade over in time to occupy
Cliester Gap, and putting his regiment under Colonel
Arthur Herbert in the west end of Manassas Gap. Tlie
bahnice of Pickett's men crossed by putting the arms and
ammunition in the boats, the men swimming, and sent re-
inforcements to General Corse and Colonel Herbert, Avhen
the enemy's cavalry withdrew. Our bridge was laid and
spliced, and the march southward was resumed.
The next day another demonstration was made by the
enemy's cavalry at Manassas Gap, but Hood's division
was there and McLaws's was at the Chester Gap, where
another heavy body of cavalry approached. An effort
was made to get behind the latter by hidden lines of
march, but the plan of catching cavalry with infantry was
not successful, though General Wofford thought for a time
that his trap was well laid. The march was continued, and
tlie head of the column reached Culpeper Court-House
on the 24th. Benning's brigade, left on guard at Gaines's
Cross-Roads till the Third Corps could relieve him, was
attacked by a strong cavalry force. On the approach of
the Third Corps he thought to organize, with General A.
P. Hill, another plan to entrap the cavalry in a thick
wood, but the riders found little difficulty in getting away.
General Ewell was detained a little, and found, upon ap-
proaching Front Royal, that General Wright's brigade,
left there to hold the gaps for him, was engaged in skir-
mishing with the enemy's infantry. He reinforced the
4'^2 nioM MA\.\?iSA< TO APPOMATTOX.
I»ri::;i«l»-, \\r\d llic en«^iiiy liark, then changed his march
\v«->!, rrnssi'd tlir Blue Ridiie at Thornton's Gaj», an<l
onlereil iLarlyV di vision, that wa-s not yet up, tlirougli the
Vallev hv Stra.slnir>c. He reached Madison Court-House
oil the 20th.
(Jciieral Meade got hi:? army together ne:ir Warrenton
on the 'list of July, and ordered a detachment of artil-
lery, cavalry, and infantry across the Rappahannock at
Kellv's Ford and the railroad hridsce. The command
drove our cavalry back till it was reinforce<l by in-
fantry, when the enemy was pushed back beyond Brandy
Station.
General Ewell was calleil down from Madison Court-
House, behind the Rapidan, and the First and Third
Corps were marched into position behind the river on the
3d of August, leaving the cavalry at Culpeper Court-
llouse.
General Lee suffered during the campaign from his old
trouble, sciatica, and as soon as he found rest for his armj'
ap])lied to the authorities for a change of commanders.
The President refused, pleading that he had no one to
take his place. At the time he had two generals who
were not in authority adequate to their rank, — Joseph E.
Johnston, the foremost soldier of the South, who com-
manded the armv until he was woundeil at Seven Pines,
and G. T. Beauregard, the hero of Sumter and the first
Bull Run, well equipped for high command. But the
President was jealous of Johnston, and nourished preju-
dice against Beauregard ; though he found at last, when
too late, that he must call them to the field.
^
CHAPTER XXX.
LONQSTREET MOVES TO GEOKGIA.
•
Tlie Author reverts to the Perils and Opportunities in the West— Pro-
poses to the Secretary of War to reinforce against Rosecraus from the
Arnny of Northern Virginia— Makes Plan known to General Lee— -
The Move finally effected— Difficulties of Transportation— A Round-
about Route— General Longstreet narrowly escapes capture when
seeking Bragg's Head-quarters — General Bragg assigns Longstreet to
Command of the Left — Instructions for the Battle of Chickamauga—
The Armies in Position— Federals in Command of Generals Rosecrans,
Crittenden, McCook, and George H. Thomas.
While the army was lying idle on the south bank of
the Rapidan my mind reverted to affairs in the West, and
especially to the progressive work of the Union army
in Tennessee towards the northern borders of Georgia.
Other armies of the South were, apparently, spectators,
viewing those tremendous threatenings without thought
of turning minds or forces to arrest the march of Rose-
crans.
To me the emergency seemed so grave tliat I decided to
write tlie Honorable Secretary of War (excusing the in-
formality under the privilege given in his request in
May) expressing my opinion of affairs in that military
zone. I said that the successful march of General Rose-
crans's army through Georgia would virtually be the
finishing stroke of the war ; that in the fall of Vicksburg
and the free flow of the Mississippi River the lungs of the
Confederacy were lost ; that the impending march would
cut through the heart of the South, and leave but little
time for the dissolution ; that to my mind the remedy was
to order the Army of Northern Virginia to defensive work,
and send detachments to reinforce the army in Tennessee ;
to call detachments of other commands to the same ser-
vice, and strike a crushing blow against General Rose-
28 488
■1-vl I'i:«iM MAyA<5iA< TO APPOMATTOX.
crans iK'fiire Ik* o«uiUl receive reinforcing help; that our
inkTinr Iini'< gave iIk- irpporiunity, and it was only bj^ the
skiltui use of ihein tliat we eouhl reasonably ]io]>e to
equalize uur jiower to that of the better-equipixHl adver-
s^arv ; that the <ubjeet had not been mentioned to niv
eonunander, because like all others he was op|K>scd to
having important detachments of his army so far beyond
hi.s reach ; that all must realize that our affairs were lan-
guishing, and that the only hope of reviving the waning
cause was through the advantage of interior lines.
A few days after the letter was despatched the subject
happened up while discussing affairs with General Lee,
when I felt warranted in expressing my views and re-
lieving my mind of the serious apprehensions that haunted
me. He inquired if I was willing to go West and take
charge there. To that I consented, provided the change
could be so arranged as to give me an opportunitj'', bv
careful handling of the tnx>ps before accepting battle, to
gain their confidence ; providing, at the same time, that
means could be arranged for further aggressive march in
case of success.
At that time the railway passing our camps on the
Rapidan through Virginia and East Tennessee to Cliatta-
nooga wius open and in g(X)d working order. General
Bragg's army was near Chattanooga, General Buckner's in
East Tennessee, near Knoxville, General Samuel JonesV
army, or parts of an army, in Southwest Virginia. There
was but one railway, — from Cincinnati via Louisville and
Nashville to Chattanooga. On that road General Rose-
crans was marching against General Bragg. On the di-
rect route to East Tennessee over the Cumberland Moun-
tains General Burnside was marching over dirt roads into
East Tenncs.si»e against (Jcneral Buckner's forces.
A few days after the convcrsjititm with General Lee, he
was called down to Richmond. In the course of a week
he wrote, viz. :
IX)XGSTREET MOVES TO GEORGIA. 4o5
''[Ck)nfidential.]
**EiCHMOND, August 31, 1863.
^'LIEUTENANT-GENEBAL J. LONGSTREET,
** Head-quaHei'8 Army of Northern Virginia :
^'General, — I have wished for several days past to return to
the army, but have been detained by the President. He will not
listen to my proposition to leave to-morrow. I hope you will use
every exertion to prepare the army for offensive operations, and
improve the condition of our men and animals. I can see nothing
better to be done than to endeavor to bring General Meade out
and use our efforts to crush his army while in its present con-
dition.
^^* ^^% ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^T* ^^^ ^^^
*' Very respectfully and truly yours,
^'E. E. Lee,
'' GeneraV
REPLY.
*' Head-quarters, September 2, 1863.
'* General E. E. Lee,
^'Commanding :
"General, — Your letter of the 31st is received. I have ex-
pressed to Generals Ewell and Hill your wishes, and am doing
all that can be done to be well prepared with my own command.
Our greatest difficulty will be in preparing our animals. I do
not see that we can reasonably hope to accomplish much by of-
fensive operations, unless you are strong enough to cross the
Potomac If we advance to meet the enemy on this side he will
in all probability go into one of his many fortified x>ositions.
These we cannot afford to attack.
** I know but little of the condition of our affairs in the West,
but am inclined to the opinion that our best opportunity for great
results is in Tennessee. If we could hold the defensive here with
two corps and send the other to operate in Tennessee with that
army, I think that we could accomplish more than by an advance
from here.
^^0 ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^0 ^^0
0^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^p
*' I remain^ general, very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
"James Longstreet,
' ' Lieutenant' General. ' '
General Lee next wrote to inquire as to the time neces-
sary for the movement of my corps into Tennessee. As
• •
• •_
■ - ~v .::-- VL- -I'l "i:« ??^«I uj fee amplt^
.> • -'.r.. ii V i.- rii-r^i. by lie •^aaxter-
.I-'-:" i: Z^'tuii II' :. ia.«i liie 'iiTissiir.Qs wen?
. • : - • ■:- r 12..: -Ln r- »:> ri^jctiritja. and it
; " . — . „'. 1- ■/.;:: •.r-c»-ril Lee iCT?eti ti> re-
.- ..".:. ._ 7- ^— — ^-. : c-r^i'-r "wicK the j&^^uiunce
J • '..- ■.•-..■- •: : :L- •»■!:•■ River. :?hvaIJ tol-
. " ..;'..■. : ; "_ --^ : :!irt .:* ilif: army, f.Kit lu
- •- . ;■;. Lr" : :: '. r*rL'7C--i'.E. rrjm the aroiv in
..* : .■ .: ^- :.- L c •.:^::1 iL-r '..•th -jf September
.. " .. :..•-: •.':-.. :?...: : •►rir.j'r 0:'«irt-H«:»ctfe to start
'.'.' '. :: i : ::•:-. MrriL-^L:!-. Cnrnenil Backner
.:-. ..-^:r-.- :*.-• :::.."■ u:: L-rr •ii^nrr^I Braw about Chat-
%:...•.::. !-:i"!:.^ :. '\A:.^ •.:' L> -.TCiaiand in £ast Ton-
:.-—»: -x-^-r: : ^ . :L .is-.:.-! ni-.-n at Cumberland Gap,
Ii:.:-.- 0':.*r:! f'r:/»r. {':tr:::ill_v :■ rtidttl. General Bum-
-.'•!" li.i'l ••r'.--»'i :!.v rii.riiitaiii-. luA vra> n».it onlv in £ast
'1 »nii*'--^:*-, f^iii *fii tii;i: v-rv tl:iv ^.n-neral Frazer surren-
■ *
<i-!*'J t'/ iiiiii ill- '''•iniii.'tiiil :it ^ 'liiutit-rlauil Gap Without a
'1 li''->- fiKt- w^r^r krii;wii to iW' Ruliinond authorities at
ill/' !iiij<: hi' our iiiovr*rriffrit.-, but ni»t tu General Lee or
my-'ir until tlirr iiiov^* wjis h^ tar advarK-e^l a? to prevent
piiill. So that wr* worf obligj**! to make the circuit
t|jioii;rli tlif- r'arolinarf to Au^^iHta, ( it-orgia, and up by the
railroad, iht'tiro tiiroii;^li Atlanta to I>alton and Ringgold.
it wan \\\f' only ntutc ni' transit Ifft us. There were two
niiitr.', \n'\\si'('ti Kidifnond and Au};iista, one t'/a Wilmine-
Ion, ill*' other lhroii;^li (liarlottc, North ( arolina, but only
a .-•.iii;{h' trark from Augusta to (1iattan<K)ga. The gauges
LOXGSTRKET MOVES TO GEORGIA. 437
of the roads were not uniform, nor did tlie roads connect
at tlie cities (except by drays and other such conveyances).
The roads had not been heavily worked before the war,
so that their rolling stock was light and limited.
Instead of two days of moving, it was not until tlie 25th
that our artillery joined us near Chattanooga. Hood's
division w^as first shipped, and three brigades, or the
greater part of three, were landed at the railroad station,
and joined General Bragg's army on the 18th and 19th
of September, but that army had been manoeuvred and
flanked out of Chattanooga, Buckner's out of East Ten-
nessee, and both w^ere together down below the borders of
Georgia.
As I left General Lee's tent, after bidding him good-
by, he walked out with me to my horse. As my foot was
in the stirrup he said again, " Now% general, you must
beat those people out in the West." Withdrawing my
foot to respectful position I promised, " If I live ; but I
would not give a single man of my command for a fruit-
less victory." He promised again that it should not be
so ; said that arrangements liad been made that any suc-
cess we had should be followed ; that orders to that effect
had been given ; that transportation was also ordered to
be prepared, and the orders would be repeated.
While the troops were in transit, Jenkins's South Caro-
lina brigade was transferred to Hood's division, so that we
had two South Carolina and four Georgia brigades of the
two divisions, which gave us some little trouble in keeping
our men on the cars passing by their homes. The people
crowded every station to give us their all in most accept-
able rations, and to cheer us with wishes for a happy issue.
The train upon which I rode reached Catoosa about two
o'clock of the afternoon of the 19th of September. That
upon which our horses were came up at four o'clock. Only
part of the staff of the corps was with me, and General
Alexander was with his batteries far away in South Caro-
I!i. .. A- - • 1 ^- •-: l.r-^ A^ula lie saddled we started,
L!- .>:.--:.:-^ :-• .- > rr-i-l SL-i Manning and rnvself, M
:.:. 1 ::.- :.--:i 1-^ :i.r:r> : :Le o-simanding general. We
•w-:r : I : : ...'^ ::-r rr-iiL r.ad. and did &■.»• thtjugfa there
*»-:•: :..s:.v ::-rL ■• -ii/.:!^ in:*.* iLai r«d fr^itni our ri$:ht
"f.-^srlLj ::.r --r ui..:.^; .f ihe davV laiile: the firin«r was
.-:!.! h—.r i 5" :'• :hr rlsLi. and wag«.»nr were g^jing and
«-■::.;:._:. .'r.-ii'-^aiiri^ vur Ltamtav? to the 6eld- Nothing
el-r .v.'irririj !'• ru;;j«i^i a change of the directions given
U-. we IvU'W.-.} ih»: main r«.«d.
It wa- ii bright iU'»nlijrhi night, and the woodlands on
•]]•? rid*- "f tlie hr«.i;id liighway wen* quite open, so that
y^r r"i:l'l ••re aud ]»v M-»rn. After a time we were chal-
h'U'^frl hv an outlvin;: g:iiard, "Who denies there?''
We aij-\v»-nrd, "Friend;?." The answer was not alto-
goili^r .rati^fying to the guard, and after a very short
jiarley we a.rked what tro<jj»s they were, when the answer
gave tlie nuinl>er of the brigade and of the division. As
Houtlicrn brigade** were called fi»r their commanders more
than bv their nunilx-r^, we eoncluded that these friends
were the enemy. There were, t<K>, some suspicious ob-
struetiouH aero.-.s the road in front of us, and altogether
the situation did not Iwk inviting. The moon was so
briglit that it did not seem prudent to turn and ride back
under the (ire that we knew would be opened on us, so I
Kiid, loudly, HO that the guard could hear, "Let us ride
down a little way to find a Ijctter crossing." Riding a
few rods brought us under cover and protection of large
tn'<*H, Kufliriently Kharling our retreat to enable us to ride
<juictly to the rear and take the road over which we had
MM'n HO many men and Vfhielc^s passing while on our first
ritlf.
We reached (Jeneral Hragg's head-quarters at eleven
o'eioek, reported, and received orders, which he had pre-
viously given other (*oinniiinderH, for ultaek early in the
morning. ( )nr bivouac was nmde near the general head-
^
LOXGSTREET MOVES TO GEORGIA. 430
quartei-s, and we rode at daylight to find the troops.
Hood's brigades that had arrived before us had been at
work with the left of the army, which was assigned as my
command. Lieu tenant-General Polk was connnanding
the right wing.
Two brigades of McLaws's division, Kershaw's and
Humphreys's, came in the afternoon, and marched during
the night and across the Ghickamauga River.
The army had forced its way across the Ghickamauga
under severe skirmishes, little less than a battle, during
the greater part of the 19th, and some of the commands
had been engaged on the 18th working on the same plan.
The written order giving the plan was issued on the
18th. In general terms, it was to cross the Ghickamauga,
strike the enemy's left, and roll it back on his right by a
wheel to the left so as to come in between the enemy and
Ghattanooga. The w^ork had been so persistent and as-
siduous during part of the 18th and all of the 19th, that
General Rosecrans came to understand the plan as well
as his adversary, and to arrange accordingly.
With my instructions for the 20th the commanding
general gave me a map showing prominent topographical
features of the grounds from the Ghickamauga River to
Mission Ridge, and beyond to the Lookout Mountain
range.
At early dawn I found the left wing. It was composed
of Buckner's corps (Stewart's and Preston's divisions), a
new division under General Bushrod R. Johnson, the
division of General T. G. Hindman, and three of Hood's
brigades. Buckner's corps had been cut in two. His
division on the right of the left wing was under General
Stewart, while Preston's division, on the extreme left,
on the bank of the Ghickamauga, was assigned, by the
order for battle, as the pivot upon which the battle should
wheel. Tlie commands stood . Stewart's, Johnson's, Hind-
man's, and Preston's divisions ; Hood's brigades in rear
n X \:s,y±^^^ t:
• T
'— -§
:--•-. - 1 ' - * rr :i -: ril B j^in-E-r rej •:«€*! his artillery
::.'..:.z : :^'* :: "ilirrr r^m-. Threie faanerie:^ were
• mm
-". : : -r rii- e-^ r.. -w^ih Hlfidman's division,
J ;.:.- :.'- ii 1 H ••. - • r.-2:^i:-> l«e:ng without artillery.
T:> ' rij-i >- : K-rr-'r-i^ i- : Humphnrys were ordered,
T«>:. H '•:'-. : V :--.•: i- i o ".uniD of a^ti^ult^ bv bri-
'••■ - ' .-^ . • - » — • • •-.-. - • ■ . v*» " •■ •-;.*'v-k •
A- T'-r '•.".- ^.v- rt-rTvi i" T ddvii^fat. It seeiued too
!--> : :ri-T ii : k:>:'- iiv:?::-::- :n:o reoiprxal relations,
r^:. i i^v :.i : vr: : rir.-i :L^ rl^h: winj. A> it waa: not in
I : :. r rij:.:. rivr.rr:/. Stvwar: wa^ ...nlereil to find it.
Hv ::.'.: Z:.^; js'*- ;: ].ji\: ■:-. milr i • hi- ri<:htanil found that
i:*^ '.v.:- :.•-:-.:!'.- i.:.>' ^ ::::> :r. a:v:i:,.:-e ••f ihe right winir- His
Ui'.'Vr ::.:;•:►: 1 1 . v ! T H»iV Ovlumi^. which was calleil to
lii- 1:::-. an 1 Gri.'^r.il S»wart l^r-ke his right to rear to
;:Ji.sr'l iliJit flank until ihe right wing ty»uM get to the
front. The 'livi-i-in^ wore formeJ in two lines, two bri-
g;i'h.-^ '-n the fp'ii: lir.e. •■:hor> **f the ^eiyind line in support,
^:Xff-j't II'.Hvr.* five I'riLTailtTf in eoUimn. General McLaws
and i\\*f '.'f hi-r l»riira«.K->. two of HinxI's, and Alexander's
artillery were on tlie rails, ?i|»eeiling for the battle as fa^t
as rioarn fOuM carrv them, but failed to reach it. AVhen
or;ranized for battle the left wing stoxl about three hun-
dred yard.s ea.st of the Lafayette-Chattanooga dirt road.
Ah the battle wa- ordered for wheel to the left on Pres-
ton'.s division as pivot, his (Trigg's) brigade was echeloned
on the left of Ilindnian's division. The purpose of the
eoinrnander in ordering the wheel on the left as pivot was
U) J)Uh1i in, fronj the start, between the enemy and his new
bas(! at Cliattanrx>ga.
No rliief of artiMery for the command reported, and a
l)ri(ff HC'arr'h faih^rl to find one?. The field, so far as it could
b«f Hurvoy(?d, liow(;v(jr, was not a field, proper, but a heavy
woodland, not adaplcd to the practice of artillery. The
lionr of baltlo wan at hand, but the right wing was not
y(;t organizcMl. Home of the (roops were without rationa.
LONGSTREET MOVES TO GEORGIA. 441
their wagons, having lost the lines of march through the
woodlands, failing to reach them until after daylight, when
they were further delayed cooking their food.
The right wing was formed of D. H. Hill's corps, Breck-
enridge's and Cleburne's divisions, W. H. T. Walker's
corps of Walker's and Liddell's divisions, Cheatham's
division of Polk's corj^s, artillery battalions of Majors
Melancthon Smith, T. R. Hotchkiss, and R. E. Graves,
and batteries of Lieutenant R. T. Beauregard, Captain
E. P. Howell, Captain W. H. Fowler, and Lieutenant
Shannon.
As it formed it stood with D. H. Hill's corps on the
riglit, Breckenridge's and Cleburne's divisions from right
to left, Cheatham's division on the left of Cleburne's rear,
and Walker's reserve corps behind Hill's corps ; but when
arranged for battle it was about half a mile in rear of
the line upon which the left wing was established. The
Confederate commander rode early in the morning to hear
the opening of the battle. As the sounds failed to reach
him, he became anxious, sent orders of inquiry for the
cause of delay, repeated his orders for attack, and finally
rode to his right w^ing and gave peremptory orders.
Marching through the woods to line up on the left wing,
the left of the right wing was found to overlap my di-
vision on the right, yet our extreme right was found
to overreach the left of the enemy's field-works by two
brigades, and reconnoissance found the road between the
enemy and Chattanooga open and free of obstructions or
troops to defend it. On the right of Breckenridge's di-
vision w^as Armstrong's division of cavalry dismounted, and
beyond his right was Forrest's other division of cavalry,
Pegram's. Some miles off from our left was Wheeler's
division of cavalry, under Wharton and Martin.
The Union army from left to right was : first the Four-
teenth Corps, General George H. Thomas commanding,
four divisions, — Baird's division on the left, then Revnolds's
44- rE«.»3l 3IJL>"AS>A? T*j APFOXATTOX.
a::.; Brj^iiiiiV. :Lr l^rrer retired top(]^ition of reserve, and
Nt^lrv'?, Thr Iii?-: nazir^i had been left, on the night of
ihv 1-. •:'::. •:: ^uiir: :i<mt the Glen H«>use, but was ordereil
e-ar:v ...n iiir 2*.»:li :•• i-in Cnrnrral Th«>ma&, and one of the
I'riiT.* K-> lii-i :novr j-r-.-mpiiv uudrr the order; the other
l-rijCii-lt-s :w... raikri lo reLvire the order.) Then the
Twr!i::t :h CVrj-s. ihnv diYisi.»n<, — Jeffer^in C. Davis's, R.
W. J. :;::> iiV.aad P. H. Sht-ridanV,— on the right, Greneral
A. ^KP. iL-i.\*.«k o.'iniuandiug the o.ir|^. Next was the
Twt'iiiv-iii^i Cor|«s, ihrw division?, — ^T. J. Wood's, J. M.
ralinorV. and H. P. Van C'lcveV, — Cieneral T. L. Critten-
den o 'iiunanding ihe o'r{«>. It was in |x>&:ition on the eaa^t
slo|»e i.'i' Mi^c*i«'n Rivlgt-, ordonni to W prej^red to support
I he o.'ri^ ot* the right or K-n, or both : one of its brigades:
hail Ix-tu lori to ixvupv Chaitanooga. Wilder's mounted in-
fautry. . m the rijrht of the Twentieth Corps, was ordered to
ro[K«rt to the ivanmauder of that cor|>s for the day's work.
A rf<iTve o».»rp> under General Gordon Granger was off the
left of the Union army to cover the gap in Mission Ridge
at Rossville and the r<.>ad from the Union left to that gap.
Minty's cavalry was with this eorp^, and {x^ted at Misisiou
Mills. General Granger had Steedman's division of two
brigades and a brigade under Colonel D. MeCook. Greneral
R. B. Mitchell, commanding Union cavalry, was on their
right at Crawfish Spring:?, with orders to hold the
crossings of the Chickamauga against the Confederate
cavalrv.
It seems that j>arts of the Twentieth and Twenty-first
Corps, Johnson's and Van Cleve's divisions, were under
General Thomas in the fight of his left on the 19th, and
remained with him on the 20th. The purpose of the post-
ing of the Union army wjis to hold open its routes for
Chattanooga by the IWsville and Dry Valley roads. As
before nlatcd, the Cordederate commander's design was to
push in b(»fw(*en tlie Union army and (-hattanooga, re-
<'over liis lorft ;^round,and cul (he enemy's h'ne of su])plies.
LONGSTREET MOVES TO GEORGIA. 443
The commanders of the armies were on the field early
on the 20th. The failure of the opening of the Confed-
erates at daylight gave opportunity for a reconnoissanee by
light of day, by which it was learned that the road from
the Union left was open, not guarded nor under close ob-
servation ; but the commander ordered direct assault under
the original plan, — his back to the river, the Union army
backing on Mission Ridge. The Chickamauga River,
rising from the mountains south, flows in its general
course a little east of north to conflux with the Tennessee
River. The Ridge runs nearly parallel with the river, and
opens up a valley a mile wide. It is a bold outcropping
of limestone about one hundred feet above the valley,
with occasional passes, or gaps, that are strong i)oints of
guard for defence. Four miles northwest from the Union
left was the gap at Rossville, called for the old Cherokee
chief. Behind its right was the pass of the Dry Valley
road, and immediately in its rear was the McFarland
Gap. The line of the Lafayette road lies about parallel
with the Ridge a mile beyond the Union left, whence it
bends westward and leads to the Rossville Gap. The
Dry Valley road crosses the Chickamauga at Glass's
Mills, courses along the east slope of the Ridge, crosses
it, and joins on the west the road that crosses at the
McFarland Gap.
The Union line towards its left was east of the Chatta-
nooga-Rossville road, but the flank crossed the road to the
west and formed in broken front. The left and right of
Thomas's line was retired or broken to the rear. The
Union commander rode over his lines on the afternoon
of the 19th and ordered his front covered by such field-
works as could be constructed during the night.
General Thomas covered his lines by log and rail ob-
structions. The corps of Rosecrans's right formed two
lines of rail defences for infantry. The batteries had the
ascending slopes of the Ridge for positions, and their field
444 FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
was more favorahle otherwise for artillery practice than
was that of the Confederates advancing from the valley
and more densely timbered forests. They had two hiin-
<lred and forty-six gnns. The records do not give satis-
factory acconnts of the number of Confederate guns, but
they probably numbered not less than two hundred.
N
CHAPTEK XXXL
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA.
Tactical Features— The Battle opened by Direct Attack on the Federals
in the Early Morning of Septemt>er 20— Repeated and Detennined
Front Assaults— Brigadiers Helm killed and Adams wounded— The
Union Commands lay behind Defences- Hood's Brigades surged
through the Fort^st against the Covered Infantry' and Artillery —
Hood wounded— Longstreet suggests a Plan for Progressive Action —
Halting Tactics at High Tide of Success- The Confederate Left
fought a Separate Battle— General Thomas retreats— First Confed-
erate Victory in the West, and one of the Bloodiest Battles of the
War — Forces engaged — Losses.
Satisfied that the opening of the battle was to be the
attack against his left, the Union commander ordered
Negley's division out from its position near the Glen
House to report to General Thomas and assist in meeting
the attack, but only Beattie's brigade was in time for that
service, the other brigades waiting to be relieved from
their positions in line. Meanwhile, Baird's left had been
extended by Dodge's brigade of Johnson's division of the
Twentieth Corps.
Before the Confederate commander engaged his battle
he found the road between the enemy's left and Chatta-
nooga open, which gave liim opportunity to interjiose or
force the enemy from his works to open battle to save his
line. But he preferred his plan of direct attack as the
armies stood, and opened his battle by attack of the right
wing at 9.30 a.m. of the 20th. He was there, and put
the corps under Lieutenant-General D. II. Hill to the
work. Breckenridge's and Cleburne's divisions, Brecken-
ridge on the right, overreached the enemy's left by two
brigades, Stovall's and Adams's, but the other brigade,
Helm's, was marched through the wood into front assault
of the enemy behind his field-works. This brigade made
44^) FKOM MAXA8SAS TO APPOMATTOX.
desperate repeated and gallant battle until the commander,
Benjamin H. Helm, one of the most j^romising brigadiers,
was killed, when its aggressive work was suspended.
The other brigades crossed the Cliattanooga road,
changed front, and bore down against the enemy's left.
This gave them favorable ground and position. They
made resolute attack against Baird's left, threatening his
rear, but he had troops at hand to meet them. They had
a four-gun battery of Slocum's of the Washington Artil-
lery,* and encountered Dodge's brigade and parts of Wil-
lick's. Berry's, and Stanley's, and superior artillery. In
the severe contention General Adams fell seriously hurt,
and the brigades were eventually forced back to and across
the road, leaving General Adams on the field.
A separate attack was then made by Cleburne's division,
the brigades of Polk and Wood assaulting the breast-works
held by the divisions of Johnson and Palmer. These
brigades, after severe fight, were repulsed, and their posi-
tions were covered by Deshler's brigade. General Deshler
received a mortal wound from a fragment of shell, leaving
the brigade in the hands of the gallant Colonel Roger Q.
Mills (our afterwards distinguished statesman). General
Thomas called rcj^eatedly for reinforcements, and received
assurances that they were coming, even to include the
army if necessary to hold the left.
Johnson's brigade of Cheatham's division was ordered
to suj^port the brigade under Colonel Mills, and the re-
serve corps under General W. H. T. Walker (Gist's and
Liddell's divisions) was ordered into the Breckenridge
battle. Gist's brigade against the left angle of the breast-
works, and Walthall's to the place of Cleburne's division.
The other brigade of Gist's division supported the battle
of his own brigade, and General Liddell was ordered with
Govan's brigade to advance, passing beyond the enemy's
■ ^^^^» ■ - ■ ■ — ■ ■ I ■ ■ ■■ I ■■ I ■ ■— » ■ ■ I I ■^■^— ■ ■ ■ I ■ ^^^^^^^■^■^^I^M^^i^^— — — — ^
* That company did not go with the battalion to Virginia.
BATTLE OF CHICKAMArGA. 447
left to the Cliattanooga road, and wheel to the left against
his left rear. The troops, without exc(»ptioii, made a brave,
desperate fight, but were unsuccessful, and forced to sus-
pend aggressive work.
As the grand wheel to the left did not progress, I sent,
at eleven o'clock, to say to General Bragg that my column
of attack could probably break the enemy's line if he
cared to have it go in. Before answer came, General
Stewart, commanding my right division, received a mes-
sage from General Bragg to go in and attack by his divi-
sion, and reported that the Confederate commander had
sent similar orders to all division commanders. He ad-
vanced, and by his severe battle caused the Union reserve
division under General Brannan to be drawn to the sup
port of that front, and this attack, witli that of the divisions
of our right against those of Baird, Johnson, Palmer, and
Reynolds, so disturbed General Thomas that other rein-
forcements were called to support his defence.
General Stewart was in hot engagement before word
reached me tliat the battle had been put in the hands of
division commanders ; but my orders reached General
Hood in time to hold him and commanders on his left
before he received notice from the commanding g(»neral,
and the brigades of Kershaw and Humphreys were or-
dered nearer the rear of his column. Tlic divisions of B.
R. Johnson and Hindman were ordered to follow in close
echelon on Hood's left. Buckner's pivoting division inuler
Preston was left to the position to which the Confederate
chief had assigned it.
In our immediate front were the parts of the Twentieth
and Twenty-first Corps in two lines covered by rail de-
fences and well-posted batteries. At the early surging of
his lines through the forest, General Hood came undcT
the fire of this formidable array of ^irtillery and infantry,
and found his lines staggering under their galling missiles,
and fast losing strength as the fire thickened. His lead-
448 FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
iiij; luigmle was (kriiiiatcd, but his oIIuts pushed to tlie
iVuiit to take and |uirsue the assiuilt. The divisions of B.
R. Johnson and llindman were pressc<l hard on Hood's
li*ft, and the brigad(*s of Kershaw and Humphreys closed
to his support, when a bold push gave us the first line of
the enemy and a large nunil)er of Ins giuis; but General
lluotl was fearfully wounded, supposed to be fatally ; Gen-
eral Benning, of his " RcK'k Brigade/' lost his horse, and
thought General II(X)d w^as killed. He cut a horse loose
from a eaj>tured gun, mounted, and using part of a roi)e
trace as his riding whip, rode to meet me and rejwrt
disaster. He had lost his hat in the melee, and the bri-
ga<le disa])j)eared under the steady crushing fire so quickly
that he was a little surprised. He reporteil, " General
H<M)d killed, my horse kille<l, my brigade torn to piec^es,
and 1 haven't a man left." I asked if he didn't think lie
could find one man. The qutvtion or the manner seemed
to (juid somewhat liis apprehensicms and brought affirma-
tive answer, when he was tohl to collect his men and join
us at the front ; that we ha<l broken and carried the first
line ; that Johnson's division, on his left, was then in the
breach and ]mshing on, with llindman on his left, spread-
ing^ battle to the enemv's limits; that Stewart's division
would hold it on our right, and the brigades of Kershaw
and Humj)hreys then on the quick stej) would be with us
in a minute and help restore the battle to good organiza-
tion. Just then these two brigades burst through the
brush in cheerful, gallant march, and brought him back
to his usual courageous, hopeful confidence.
As we approached a second line, Johnson's division hap-
pened to strike it while in the act of changing position of
some of the troops, charged upon and carried it, capturing
some artillery, Hood's and Hindman's troops pressing in
close connection. This attack forced the parts of the
Twentieth and Twenty-first Corps from that part of the
field, back over Missionary Ridge, in disordered retreat^
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA. 449
and part of Negley's divisiou of the Fourteenth Corj)s
by the same impulsion. As our right wing had failed
of the progress anticipated, and had become fixed by the
firm holding of the enemy's left, we could find no j^rac-
ticable field for our work except by a change of the order
of battle from wheel to the left, to a swing to the right
on my division under General Stewart. The fire of the
enemy ofi* my right readily drew Hood's brigades to that
bearing. Johnson's and Hindman's divisions were called
to a similar move, and Buckner's pivotal division under
General Preston, but General Buckner objected to having
his left " in the air."
Presently a discouraging account came from General
Hindman, that in the progress of his battle his left and
rear had been struck by a formidable force of cavalry ;
that Manigault's brigade was forced back in disorder, and
his other brigades exposed on their open left could not be
handled. I wrote him a note commending the brave
work of his division, and encouraging renewed efforts ;
urged him to have his brigades in hand, and bring them
around to close connection on Johnson's left.
On the most open parts of the Confederate side of the
field one's vision could not reach farther than the length
of a brigade. Trigg's brigade was ordered to the relief
of Manigault's, which had been forced back to the La-
fayette road, and the balance of Preston's division was
ordered to follow, if necessary, to support that part of the
field, and our cavalry far away from my left was called
to clean it up and pursue the retreating columns. It
seems that Wilder's brigade of mounted infantry had
struck Manigault's left and put it back in disorder, and
a brigade, or part of a brigade, of cavalry coming against
the rear, increased the confusion and drove it back to the
Lafayette road, when Trigg's brigade advanced to its re-
lief. The two put the attacking forces back until they
found it necessary to retire ImMMHMM cover the
4.50
FROM MASAfWAS TO APWIMATTOi'.
withdrawal of traius left ex^wscd l)y the rvtrea
of the Twentieth ami Twenty-first Curjis. Gen
man gatliered liiy foR-es and marched for tlie k
son's division, and Preston's brigade under Gei
was returned to the point of its first holding.
Our front, cleared of opposing forces, was so(
forward, and formed at right angle to its first I
the enemy's line standing against our right wi
■were repeated for the cavalry to ride in pui-suil
treating forces, ami guard the gajis of the ric
the enemy standing in front of our right win
new position of the left wing its extreme left e
the enemy rallying in strong position that w
manned by field batteries. At the same time i
approaching the line of fire of one of our batti
right wing.
General Johnson thought that he had the
battle near Snodgrass Hill. It was a key, bi
one. He was ordered to reorganize his own bi
those of Hindman's division for renewed woi
vance a line of skirmishers, and give time to
for refreshment, while I rode along tlie line
the enemy and find relations with our right wii
It was after one o'clock, and the hot and dry
day made work fatiguing. My lunch was call
ordered si)read at some convenient point wh
with General Buckner and the staffs to view tl
conditions of the battle. I could see but li
enemy's line, and only knew of it by the ocei
change of fire between the lines of skirmisher
approached the angle of the lines. I passed
of our skirmishers, and, thinking I had
enemy's, rode forward to be accurately assun
suddenly found myself under near fire of
shooters concealed behind the trees and
brush. I saw enough, however, to mark i
RATTLK OF ('HICKAMAUGA. 451
line of liis field-works as they were spread along the
front of the right wing, and found that I was very for-
tunate in having the forest to cover the ride back until
out of reach of their fire. In the absence of a chief
of artillery, General Buckner was asked to establish a
twelve-gun battery on my right to enfilade the enemy's
w^orks and line standing before our right wing, and then
I rode away to enjoy my spread of Nassau bacon and
Georgia sweet potatoes. We were not accustomed to pota-
toes of any kind in Virginia, and thought we had a luxury,
but it w^as very dry, as the river was a mile and more from
us, and other liquids were over the border. Then, before
we had half finished, our pleasures were interrupted by a
fragment of shell that came tearing through the woods,
passed through a book in the hands of a courier who sat
on his horse hard by reading, and struck down our chief
of ordnance, Colonel P. T. Manning, gasping, as was sup-
posed, in the struggles of death. Friends sprang forward
to look for the wound and to give some aid and relief.
In his hurry to enjoy and finish his lunch he had just
taken a Large bite of sweet potato, which seemed to be suf-
focating him. I suggested that it would be well to first
relieve him of the potato and give him a chance to
breathe. This done, he revived, his breath came freer,
and he was soon on his feet ready to be conveyed to the
hospital. In a few days he was again on duty.
After caring for and sending him off, and before we
were through with our lunch, General Bragg sent for me.
He was some little distance in rear of our new position.
The change of the order of battle was explained, and the
necessity under which it came to be made. We had taken
some forty or more field-pieces and a large number of
small-arms, and thought that we had cut off and put to
disorder the Twentieth and Twenty-first Corps that had
retreated through the pass of the Ridge by the Dry
Valley road. He was informed of orders given Greneral
JL X i^^i— ^- r A?-?*>:
1 tit r .ji' I :.ti -STr-:*! fc- ?i™35t>m •>£ ih* way to
iL--i __• V _•£ zi^i,'. It t«Li'S:c. il-e rlan fcr battle bv
_-• : J .: T.ij : 1 1 i .: : S^rVi.-:^, -iraw off a force
:• i- ::.-• :. :: :li: Li : r-^-i-f-i rli..'^ lire Iril wing tciok
-: ::.T :-:: - :.i :_-:« Tr;:_ :1- \tz: win^, m.jTe swiftlv
: s^'-, '.:.- Z-- V ...V r J2. :. :•-_•-:- :i.r reireaxing forces,
• • .:: - "il-T «--:r- .: :1t K' l^r "•-ll::-! :br earinv standiDS
''^:V:t -ur rV-:. il : -i-ll :Li: : r.^: ::• :i5 own relief.
Kt -sTi- ii^::-—: • j :lr ri"l.:rr -f lii* plan and the
^vr:-: tt :.:".-- : :.^ ::jL: -^1::^. ir.i w^ linle prepared
:. j.T-ir -uj^'tVi: :> :r i- ?•-''• r'.ii.i^i-es f-^- other mores
' r ' : v^:^—:- ■ - 7^. H> tt r>. .> I re^^all them, were:
■'T-'.-r-r > :. : ji :...-:. ::: ::.v r:jL: win^ who has anv
:'./:,z :l :.::..." F: :.: ^ -:- ui.> :■: hi? former operations
I -^i- : rrr: irei : r i.:a':::.j w rk. l-u: this, when the battle
-RiA- :-•: ;> ::;r ar- i in ; .-.r::i: ^:;.A-e5^• was a little sur-
I r>::.j. II> Lu:li r, 1. "VvVvr. wi^- >uch thai his subor-
*i;r;a:r -^Vi-.^ ;i: ;• 1— :' r u r^.-ii:::::;^ of the discussion.
11- 'ill ]i •: -.v;!: :; r V. i ::• - xjrt--- approval or dis-
apj-r-'Viii ..f til'- v'ji^nt::'.::- ..f :':.i- ■•■i: whijr. but nxle for
iii-r }l*.-:i'l-«'jll:iMv-r- lit Ki-*.-*!"- Brl'lilr.
Tli»>n: wa-? n-itliins: f-T ilie K-u wiusr to do but work
alorj;: ;i- U>t it cmuI'I. The right wing i-easeil its active
haith* a* th^ l»_'lt f^n.-eJ the enemvV riirht centre, and the
ar-coiiiji of the cuijiinniiiling gt-ut^ral w;u? such as to give
little hojxf of hi.s active u.^e of it in supporting us. After
hi.H lurieli, General Johnson was ordereil tu make ready
hi.- own and IlindmanV brigades, to see that thoae of
If^i^jd'.s were in jii.-t connection with his right, and await
the o[)ening of our battery. Preston's division was pulled
away from its mooring on the river hank to reinforce our
worn batth'.* The battery not opening as promptly as
exj)(;cted, (ieneral Johnson was finally ordered into stronff^
* ThiM wiiH my flrrft meeting with tiie geuiul, gaUaut, lovable WilUam
I'n'Mtdii.
BATTLE OF CHICK AM AUG A. 453
steady battle. He pushed through part of the woodland,
drove back an array of artillery and the supporting in-
fantry, and gained other elevated ground. The sound of
battle in his rear, its fire drawing nearer, had attracted
the attention of General Granger of the reserve corps,
and warned him that it was the opportunity for his com-
mand. He marched, without orders, towards the noise,
and ])assed by the front of Forrest's cavalry and the
front of our right wing, but no report of his march was
sent us. Day was on the wane. Night was advancing.
The sun dipped to the palisades of Lookout Mountain,
when Lieutenant-Colonel Claiborne reported that the
cavalry was not riding in response to niy calls. He was
asked to repeat the order in icriting^ and despatched as
follows :
<' Battle-field, September 20, 1863, 5.09 p.m.
** General Wheeler :
* ^Lieutenant-General Longstreet orders you to proceed down
the road towards the enemy's right, and with your artillery en-
deavor to enfilade his line, with celerity.
''By order of Lieutenant-CJeneral Longstreet.
"Thomas Claiborne,
^^ Lieutenant' Colonel Cavalry. ^^
Then our foot-scouts reported that there was nothing on
the road taken by the enemy's retreating columns but
squads of footmen. Another written order for the cav-
alry was despatched at 5.30.*
General Preston reinforced us by his brigade under
Gracie, pushed beyond our battle, and gained a height
and intervening dell before Snodgrass Hill, but the
enemy's reserve was on the hill, and full of fight, even
to the aggressive. We were pushed back through the val-
ley and up the slope, until General Preston succeeded
in getting part of his brigade under Trigg to the sup-
port. Our battery got up at last under Major Williams
* IlcbeUioii Record.
AM Ki;«'.M MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
ami o|»inf«l its iK-striu-iive fire from eleven guns, whidi
pi>s<^iicly o'liviiuiil (ToiuTal Thomas that his positioa
was no Imii^ir lenaMo. He drew Reynolds's divisioii
tn^tu it< triiiohts near the an,&:le. tor a:«8«ignment as rear*
^uanl. LU ncvnant-C*oloiiel Siirrel, of the staff, reported
this niitvi'. anil wa.-^ M-nt with orders to General Stewart
Co >criki' il«iwn airain>t tin* eneiuvV moving forces. It
M\'ni> thai at chi' s;inu' time LiddelKs divii^ion of the
I xirt luo riirht of our right wing Wiis ordereil against the
niarih o( i\\v vv^vv\v>. Stewart got into i«irt of Bey*
noKIsV lino and t«K>k srvi*ral humlretl prisoners. Mean-
while. KoynoIiU was iistH.1 in meeting the attack and
drivini: haik thi* division o( luMiend Liddell. That a^
ivniplishol. ho was ordi-red to i^>sition to eover the r^
troat. A< \h^ reports canu* to the left from the oonH
nianding gonoral or from the right wing, the repulse of
LiddolTs divisitin was tluuight to indicate the strong
holding t»f tho rnrniy along his intreuchetl front line^
and 1 thonirht that wt* ^houhl wait tt» finish the Ijattle on
thi* morrow.
Thi* iliroot road to C*hattaniNiga was thought to be dosed
hy onr right wing. ^[^•Farhlnd's (Jap, the only deboueht^
wa> sn|>pt>sed to he oeeupieil hv the i-avalry. Another
liliml road was at the liasi* of the mountain on its east
siiK'. During the artiUery praetiee the fiiv <if some of
the gun> of our haltery was turneil to the eontest at Snod-
grass Hill, whieh disturbed part of our infantry fiercely
struggling for that ground, and they eoinplained, but tiM
lire was I'fleetive. As the woods were full of the enemy,
a shot would fhid a mark.
The intrenehed line was erumhling faster than we sup-
jMjsed, and their reserve was engaged in hot defensive
battle to hold secure the Gap while yet there were two
hours of <laylight. Had the four brigades of Cheatham's
division that had not been in action gone in at the same
time as Liddell's division, it is hardly possible that the Con-
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA. 4o-'>
federate commander could have failed to find the enemv's
empty lines along the front of his right wing, and called
both wings into a grand final sweep of the field to ca|)-
ture Thomas's command ; but he was not present, and
the condition of affairs was embarrassing to the subordi-
nate commanders whose efforts had not been approved.
A reconnoissance made just before the first strokes of
the morning engagement discovered an open way around
the enemy's left by turning his intrenched line in reverse,
which General Hill thought to utilize by change of tac-
tics, but General Bragg present, and advised of the oppor-
tunity, preferred his tactics, and urged j)rompt execution.
At the later hour when Liddell's division was passed
beyond the enemy's intrenchments to strike at his rein-
forcing march under General Granger, the subordinate
of the right wing could not see how he was to be justified
in using a greater force in that direction, affairs of the
wing being similar to those of the opening, while the re-
lations of the right and left were in revei^se of tactical
orders ; but a vigilant chief present and caring for the
weaker part of his battle, advised that the enemy was on
his last legs, with his reserves could well have sprung the
right wing into the opening beyond his right, securing
crushing results. Earlier in the aflernoon he did send an
order for renewed efforts of the right wing under his plan
of parallel assault, but the troops had tested the lines in
their first battle, and were not in condition for a third
effort, at parallel battle.
The contention by our left wing was maintained as a
separate and independent battle. The last of the re-
serve, Trigg's brigade, gave us new strength, and Preston
gained Snodgrass Hill. The trampled ground and bushy
woods were left to those who were too much worn to es-
cape the rapid strides of the heroic Confederates. The
left wing swept forward, and the right sprang to the broad
Chattanooga highway. Like magic the Union army had
4o(J FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
melted away in our presence. A few hundred prisoners
were picked up by both wings as they met, to burst
their throats in loud huzzas. The Army of Tennessee
knew how to enjoy its first grand victory. The dews of
twiliglit hung heavy about the trees as if to hold down
tlie voice of victory ; but the two lines nearing as they
advanced joined their continuous shouts in increasing
volume, not as the burstings from the cannon's mouth,
but in a tremendous swell of heroic harmony that seemed
almost to lift from their roots the great trees of the forest-
Before greetings and congratulations upon the success
had passed it was night, and the mild beams of the quar-
tering moon were more suggestive of Venus than of Mars.
The haversacks and ammunition supj)lies were ordered re-
plenished, and the Confederate army made its bivouac on
the ground it had gained in the first pronounced victory
in the West, and one of the most stubbornly contested
battles of the war.
Our cavalry had failed to close McFarland Gte-p, and
through that General Thomas made his march for the
stand at llossville Gap.
It has been stated that this retreat was made under the
orders of the Union commander. General Thomas did, in
fact, receive a message from his chief a little after four
o'clock, saying that he was riding to Chattanooga to view
the position there ; that he. General Thomas, was left in
command of all of the organized forces, and should seek
strong and threatening position at Rossville, and send the
other men back to Chattanooga to be reorganized. This
was a suggestion more than an order, given under the con«
viction that the Confederates, having tlie Dry Valley road,
would pass the ridge to the west side, cut General Thomas
off, and strike his rear at pleasure. The order to command
of the troops in action, and the conditions referring to
duties at Cliattanooga, carried inferential discretion. That
General Thomas so construed it was evidenced by his
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA. 457
decision to hold ** until nightfall if possible." But di-
rectly, under the practice of our enfilading battery, he
became convinced that it was not possible, changed his
purpose, and at 5.30 gave orders for his commanders to
prepare to retire, and called Reynolds's division from its
trenches to be posted as rear-guard to cover the retreat.
General Granger was then engaged in severe conten-
tion against my left at Snodgrass Hill. His march along
the front of our cavalry and right wnng suggested the
advance of LiddelFs division to the Chattanooga road to
try to check it. The withdrawal of Reynolds's division
was in season to aid in driving Liddell's division back to
its former ground. Reynolds was posted on eminent
ground as rear-guard, and organized retreat followed. It
was not until after sunset that Rosecrans's order for re-
treat was issued, as appears from the letter written from
Rossville by General James A. Garfield, chief of staff,
dated 8.40, three hours and more after the move was taken
up, viz. :
'* Your order to retire to this place was received a little after
sunset and communicated to Generals Thomas and Granger. The
troops are now moving back, and will be here in good shape and
strong position before morning.'' *
So events and the evidence seem conclusive that it was
our artillery practice that made the confusion of Chicka-
mauga forests unbearable, and enforced retreat before
Rosecrans order was issued.
The Union army and reserve had been fought, and by
united efforts we held the position at Snodgrass Hill, which
covered McFarland Gap and the retreat. There were
yet five brigades of Confederates that had not been in
active battle. The Confederate commander was not present,
and his next in rank thought night pursuit without au-
thority a heavy, unprofitable labor, while a flank move,
XXX. part i. p. 144.
4■^^ FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
ixlivT i\ iiii:lu'> i>->r. >t-fiiunl {ironiisiug of more imfx>r-
i;im R-suhs. The CViiitVtlerate i-hief did not even know
of his vki.»ry umil ihi- im miing uf the 21st, when, ujion
ri«liiiir u» liis exrrt-int- riirhl, he tuiuul his commander
:i( that i^tint x-tkini: tht- enemy in his immeiliate front,
and i>»innunde<I the uttiivr ui><:>n his vigilance, — twelve
liiuirs after the reire-at «if the enemv's forces.
Tho f»>rtfs eng;iireil and their resjx^ctive casualties
folluw :
iniunii limukrV r\'ii;rh>iif ilie i.Hh of August— the
laM of n o>nl— r> iN^ru-i! hw ajrprvpate of all amis . 43,866
K(inf«»ritii fnMii J. K. Ji>hiistoirs annv in Aiiirust . . 9,000
Hoinfor«.\ti lYi'iii J. E, J<»hnstoir:i army in r^epteiubiT
iirt'iwan.l MiNair: 2,500
Hoinfonv)! from (wmuriI Iav*^ army, JH*plomber 18
auil W^ a larkTi' t*>(imat«" 5,000
Total H0,.S66
l.o^M^on tlu' lS(h aiul iHtl) 1,124
Airirivptlo for UiUltMin llu* -i>ih 50,242
iionoral Hi^ckvnins's rot urn of Sf^temUT 2i>, 1S63,
sliowi'il : Atr^rejrato of infantry, e«|UipiHHl 46,-561
Air^n^gsito of cavalry, iHiuipiKil 10,114
Apirn^irato of artillory, e<|Uip|>eii 4,192
Total 60,867
ConftMloratt' 1«>jvh^ .estimated ; rt»tunis imi>erfwt) . . 17,800
I'nion l«isst^s l»y ri'turti!* (infantry, artillery, and oav-
alryl 16,550
The exoeedinjr heaviiu^ss of tliese hisses will be better
nndei'stood, and the desperate and blooily character of the
Chickanianga battle more fully appreciated, nix)n a little
analysis. The battle, viewed from the stand-]K)int of the
Union losses, was the fifth greatest of the war, Grettys-
burg, Spot tsylva Ilia, the Wilderness, and Chancellorsville
alone exceeding it, but each of these battles were of much
longer time. Viewed l)y comparison of Confederate losses,
Chickamauga occupies similar place — fifth — in the scale
of magnitude among the battles of the war.
But the sanguinary nature of the contention is best
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA. 459
illustrated by a simple suggestion of proportions. Official
reports show that on both sides the casualties — killed,
wounded, and miasing — embraced the enormous proportion
of thirty-three per cent, of the troops actually engaged.
On the Union side there were over a score of regiments
in which the losses in this single fight exceeded 49.4 per
cent., which was the heaviest loss sustained by a German
regiment at any time during the Franco-German war. The
** charge of the Light Brigade" at Balaklava has been
made famous in song and history, yet there were thirty
Union regiments that each lost ten per cent, more men at
Chickamauga, and many Confederate regiments whose
mortality exceeded this.
Longstreet's command in less than two hours lost nearly
forty-four per cent, of its strength, and of the troops op-
posed to a portion of their splendid assaults, Steedman's
and Brannan's commands lost respectively forty-nine and
thirty-eight in less than four hours, and single regiments
a far heavier percentage.
Of the Confederate regiments sustaining the heaviest
percentHges of loss (in killed, wounded, and missing, — the
last a scarcely appreciable fraction) the leading ones were :
Regiment Per cent
Tenth Teimessee 68.0
Fifth Georgia 61.1
8ec<>ud Tennessee 60.2
Fifteenth and Thirty-seventli Tennessee 59.9
Sixteenth Alabama 58.6
Sixth and Ninth Tennessee 57.9
Eighteenth Alabama 56.3
Twenty-second AIal)ama 55.2
Twenty-third Tennessee 54.1
Twenty-ninth Mississippi 52.7
Fiftyeightli Alabama 51.7
Tlilrty-seventh Georgia 50.1
Sixty-third Tennessee 49.7
Forty-first Alabama 48.6
Thirty-second Tennessee 48.3
Twentieth Tennessee 48.0
First Arkansas 45.1
Ninth Kentucky 44.3
460 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Tliase are only a few of the cases in which it was pos-
sible to compute percentages of casualties, the number of
effectives taken into battle not having been mentioned, but
they serve to illustrate the sanguinary severity of the fight
and the heroism of the troops.
CHAPTER XXXII.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SUCCESS.
Lougstreet differs with Gteneral Bragg as to Movements of Pursuit —
Tiie Confederates on Lookout Mountain — Federals gain Comfortable
Positions around it— Superior Officers of Bragg's Command call for
his Removal — Bragg seeks Scapegoats— President Davis visits the
Army— Tests the Temper of the Officers towards Bragg— He offers
the Command to Longstreet — He declines — His Reasons — General
Bragg ignores Signal-Service Reports and is surprised— Greneral Joe
Hooker*s Advance — Night Attack beyond Lookout Mountain— Colonel
Bratton^s Clever Work — Review of the Western Movement and Com-
bhiation — It should have been effected in May instead of September —
Inference as to Results had the First Proposition been promptly acted
upon.
About sunrise of the next morning, General Bragg
rode to my bivouac, when report was made to him of
orders of the night before, to replenish supplies and pre-
pare to take up pursuit at daylight. He asked my views
of the next step to be taken, explaining that there were
some defensive works about Chattanooga to cover the
enemy in that position.
I knew nothing of the country except of its general
geographical features, but the hunt was up and on the go,
when any move towards his rear was safe, and a speedy
one encouraging of great results. I suggested that we
cross the Tennessee River north of Chattanooga and
march against the line of the enemy's rear ; that if, after
so threatening as to throw General Rosecrans to full
retreat, we found it inconvenient to pursue him, we turn
back with part of the army and capture or disperse the
Union army in East Tennessee under General Burnside.
He stated that he would follow that course, ordered the
461
I'-- M:">« MANA--A-' Tti APPOMATTOX.
ri^'it w.ii.' !•• :ii»r'ii. au-I ilif I^-ft iriiij; to follow a»
••-■M .v- :!.•■ \v:iv -.xii- 'Iv.ir, — clir Irfi to caiv fur the iltnid
:iiil w .ii:i'i» .1 iluri!!;^ rli*- wait. As it was ni^^lit when the
r»-:ir Mt' rii" rL^lt wlm; •irt-ichfl ••iit on the r«iaJ, mv uinrcli
w:i- ri .- ::ikt:; 'i;» wii-.'A th** iniriiliv^ nf the 22«L (ioncral
M'l.rv- '..!ii'l 111.- .lii thr 21-1 with hi< oiher briuiidi*??,
aii'l <r'-ii»-r.il Jfiikiii- j«iiiit-«l ILnnI"> division. Afterwards
(r. T. Aii'ltr-in'- briirtidt' ioiueil the hitter. When oar
ni.ir/ii r»M--h»/iI < r.-ueral Bnijjir's heailnjuarters and re-
in.rt»il nil thf 2*Jd. he iTive nie onU-rs to direct a divi.sion
fr'.»in tht; lin** *»f march to fi»llow the eneuiv toward:^ Chat-
W\\*'\i a-ked if he had ahandone*.! the ewirse iii>on
whiili hi.s march w;l> orth-rnl, lie said the jH>ople would be
{{roatly gratified to know thai his army was marching
thr »ii:r!i the strei*t< of Chattanooffli with bands of music
and >ahitati'>n.s of the s^ddiers. I thought, and did not
fail to say, that it wouhl give them greater pleasure to
kn >\v thit he liad passed the Tennessee River, turned the
enemy out of ('hattan<M»}ra in ttijrer flight, to siive his rear-
ward lines, whilst we mareheil hammering against the
broken flanks of his eolumns. But the cavalry had re-
l)orted that the enemy was in hurried and confused retreat,
liis trains (»rr)ssing the river and passing over the nose of
Lookout Mountain in disorder.
The praise of the inhabitants of a city so recently aban-
<loned to the enemy, an<l a parade through its streets with
bands of music and flaunting banners, were more alluring
to a spirit (»ager for apjdause than was the tedious march
for fruition of our hoavv labors.
(}(»neral 11 )S(HTans prepared, no doubt, to continue his
retreat, anticipating our march towards his rear, but finding
* In liiM olllclal report of thr Imttlo, (IciuTul Hragg denies that hla
niiirch of thcLMnt wiim for the erosMlnj? of the Teuneftsee River ; refers to
thi* propfmiiion mm viMionary, ami tuxyn of the cHmntry, *' Afrording no
HuhHlstentM' for nieu or uuiniaU'*— lU*U'lllon U^'eord
"^ww
m
^p^
^ /^^^^
^^^^^ii
!<^^^
s
IM*
FAILURE TO FOI.L(^\V SUCCKSS. 4i)o
that we preferred to lay our lines in front of liini, (M)n-
cluded that it wouUl be more comfortable to rest at Chat-
tanooga, reinforce, repair damages, and come to meet us
when ready for a new trial.
When General Bragg found that the enemy had changed
his mind, and was not inclined to continue his rearward
march, he stretched his army in a semicircle of six miles
along the southeast front of C'hattanooga, from the biise
of Lookout Mountain on his left, to his right resting on
the Tennessee River, and ordered Alexander's batteries
to the top of the mountain, my command, McLaws's,
Hood's, and Walker's divisions, occupying the left of his
line of investment. Ilis plan was to shell the enemy
from his works by field batteries, but the works grew
stronger from day to day on all sides of the city. Our
infantry was posted along the line, as supports for the
batteries, with orders not to iissault unless especially or-
dered.
The northern point of Lookout Mountain, upon which
Alexander's batteries were posted, abuts upon the Ten-
nessee River. The city lies east of the abutment and
nestles close under it. The base of the mountain has a
steep, rugged grade of five hundred feet above the plateau,
and from its height the mountain crops out into palisades
of seven hundred feet. General Alexander managed to
drop an occasional shell or shot about the enemy's lines
by lifting the trails of his guns, but the fire of other bat-
teries was not effective.
At the end of a week's practice the Confederate com-
mander found the enemy getting more comfortable in his
works, and thought to break him up by a grand cavalry
raid. On the 30tli he ordered General Wheeler to or-
ganize a force of his effective mounts, cross the river, and
ride against the railway and such depots and supply-
trains as he could reach. The cjivalrv destroved some
wagon-trains and supplies, and gave the enemy more
404 FltOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
trouble than the artilk'ry practice, yet failed to couviuce
him that it was time to abandon his ix)sition, but, on
the contrary, satisfied him that he was safe from further
serious trouble.
At that time the shortest line of the enemy's haul of
provisions from the depot at Stc»venson >vas along the
road on the north bank of the river. The Confederate
chief conceived, as our cavalry ride had failed of eflTect,
that a line of sharp-shooters along the river on our side
could break up that line of travel, and ordered, on the 8th
of October, a detail from my command for that purpose.
As the line was over the mountain about seven miles beyond
support, by a rugged road not practicable for artillery, I
ordered a brigade of infantry detailed to go over and pro-
tect the sharp-shooters from surprise or capture. The
detail fell upon Law's brigade. The line for this practice
extended from the east side of Lookout Creek some ten
miles down the river. The effect of the fire was about
like that of the cavalry raid. It simply put the enemy
on shorter rations until he could open another route for
his trains.
But more to be deplored than these novel modes of in-
vestment was the condition of the Confederate army.
After moving from Virginia to try to relieve our comrades
of the Army of Tennessee, we thought that we had cause
to complain that the fruits of our labor had been lost, but
it soon became manifest that the superior officers of that
army themselves felt as much aggrieved as wc at the halt-
ing policy of their chief, and were calling in letters and
petitions for his removal. A number of them came to
have me write the President for them. As he had not
called for my opinion on military affairs since the
Johnston conference of 1862, I could not take that
liberty, but promised to write to the Secretary of War
and to General Lee, who I thought could excuse me
umler the strained condition of affairs. About the same
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SUCCESS. 4<)0
time they framed and forwarded to the President a peti-
tion praying for relief.* It was written by General D. H.
Hill (as he informed me since the war) .
While the superior officers were asking for relief, the
Confederate commander was busy looking along his lines
for victims. Lieutenant-General Polk was put under
charges for failing to open the battle of the 20th at day-
light; Major-General Hindman was relieved under
charges for conduct before the battle, when his conduct
of the battle with other commanders would have relieved
him of any previous misconduct, according to the customs
of war, and pursuit of others was getting warm.
On the Union side the Washington authorities thought
vindication important, and Major-Generals McCook and
Crittenden, of the Twentieth and Twenty-first Corps, were
relieved and went before a Court of Inquiry ; also one of
the generals of division of the Fourteenth Corps.
The President came to us on the 9th of October and
called the commanders of the army to meet him at Gen-
eral Bragg's office. After some talk, in the presence of
General Bragg, he made known the object of the call,
and asked the generals, in turn, their opinion of their
commanding officer, beginning with myself. It seemed
rather a stretch of authority, even with a President, and
I gave an evasive answer and made an effi^rt to turn the
channel of thought, but he would not be satisfied, and
got back to his question. The condition of the army was
briefly referred to, and the failure to make an effort to
get the fruits of our success, when the opinion was given,
in substance, that our commander could be of greater
service elsewhere than at the head of the Army of Ten-
nessee. Major-General Buckner was called, and gave
opinion somewhat similar. So did Major-General Cheat-
ham, who was then commanding the corps recently com-
* HebeUion Record.
80
466 FROM MAXASSA8 TO APPOMATTOX.
iiuuKled by Licuteuant-Geueral Polk, and Greiieral D. H.
Hill, who wa« called last, agreed with emphasis to the
views expressed by others.
The next morning the President called me to private
conference, and had an all day talk. He thought to as-
sign me to command, but the time had passed for hand-
ling that army as an independent force. Regarding this
question, as considered in Virginia, it was undei'stood
that the assignment would be made at once, and in time
for opportunity to handle the army sufficiently to gain
the confidence of the officers and soldiers before offering
or accepting battle. The action was not taken, a battle
had been made and w^on, the army Wiis then seriously en-
tangled in a quasi siege, the officers and soldiers were dis-
appointed, and disaffected in inoi^ah. General Grant was
moving his army to reinforce against us, and an impor-
tant part of the Union army of Virginia was moving to
the same purpose.
In my judgment our last opportunity w^as lost when we
failed to follow the success at Chickamauga, and capture
or disperse the Union army, and it could not be just to
the service or myself to call me to a position of such re-
sponsibility. The army was part of General Joseph E.
Johnston's department, and could only be used in strong
organization by him in combining its operations with his
other forces in Alabama and Mississippi. I said that
under him I could cheerfully work in any position.*
The suggestion of that name only served to increiise his
displeasure, and his severe rebuke.
I recognized the authority of his high position, but
called to his mind that neither his words nor his manner
were so impressive as the dissolving scenes that foreshad-
owed the dreadful end. He referred to his worry and
troubles with politicians and non-combatants. In that
* Later on he offered the command to Lieutenant-General Hardee,
who declined it.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SUCCliSS, 4G7
connection, I suggested that all that the people asked for
was success ; with that the talk of politicians would be as
spiders' webs before him. And when restored to his usual
gracious calm I asked to have my resignation accepted,
to make place for some one who could better meet his
ideas of the important service. He objected that my
troops would not be satisfied with the change. I sug-
gested a leave of absence, as winter was near, when I
would go to the Trans-Mississippi Department, and after
the troops were accustomed to their new commander, send
in my written resignation, from Texas, but he was not
minded to accept that solution of the premises.
Finally, I asked his aid in putting the divisions that
were with me in more efficient working order, by assign-
ing a major-general to command Hood's division. He
had been so seriously crippled that he could not be in
condition to take the field again even if he recovered, and
a commander for the division was essential to its proper
service. As he had no one, or foiled to name any one, for
the place, I suggested the promotion of the senior briga-
dier then in command of it. General M. Jenkins, who
was a bright, gallant, and efficient officer of more than
two years' experience in active warfare, loved by his
troops, and all acquaintances as well. He had been trans-
ferred, recently, by the War Department to the division,
upon application of General Hood, and in consequence
there was some feeling of rivalry between him and Briga-
dier-General Law, the next in rank, who had served with
the division since its organization, and had commanded
it at Gettysburg after General Hood was wounded, and
after his taking off in the battle of Chickamauga. The
President referred to the services of General Law with the
division, but failed to indicate a preference. I thought
it unwise and not military to choose a junior for assign-
ment to command over his senior officers, and prejudicial
to the esprit de corps and morale of any army, except under
4<)S l'Mt()M MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
most omiiKMit siTvicrs, ajul in this instance where service,
high niilitiiry clianicter, and equii)ment were on the side
of the senior it was more objectional)le, l)ut consented that
it would be better to have General Law promoted, and the
feeling of rivalry put at rest, than to leave the question
open ; General Jenkins's heart was in the service, and he
could submit to anything that seemed best for its inter-
ests ; but the President failed to assign a commander.
The interview was exciting, at times warm, but con-
tinued until Ijookout Mountain lifted above the sun to
excuse my taking leave. The President w^alked as far as
the gate, gave his hand in his usual warm grasp, and
dismissed me with his gracious smile ; but a bitter look
lurking about its margin, and the ground-swell, admon-
ished me that clouds were gathering about head-quarters
of the First Corps even faster than those that told the
doom of the Southern cause.
A day or two after this interview the President called
the commanders to meet him again at General Bragg's
head-quarters. He expressed desire to have the army pulled
away from the lines around Chattanooga and put to active
work in the field, and called for suggestions and plans by
which that could be done, directing his appeiil, apparently,
to me as first to reply.
I suggested a change of base to Rome, Georgia, a
march of the army to the railway bridge of the Tennes-
see River at Bridgeport, and the crossing of the river as
an easy move, — one that would cut the enemy's rearward
line, interrupt his supply train, put us between his army
at Chattanooga and the reinforcements moving to join
him, and force him to precipitate battle or retreat.
General Bragg pro})osed that we march up and cross
the river and swing around towards the enemy's rear and
force him out by that means. No other plans were offered,
nor did other officers express preference for either of the
plans that were submitted.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SUCCESS. 4GU
Maps were called for and demonstrations given of the
two plans, when the President ordered the move to be
made by the change of base to Rome, and in a day or two
took leave of us. He had brought General Pemberton
with him to assign to the corps left by General Polk, but
changed his mind. General D. H. Hill was relieved of
duty ; after a time General Buckner took a leave of
absence, and General Hardee relieved General Cheatham
of command of the corps left to him by General Polk.
About this time General Lee wrote me, alluding to the
presence of the President, the questions under considera-
tion, my proposition for him to leave the army in Virginia
in other hands and come West to grander, more im-
portant fields, to his purpose in sending me West to be
assigned to command there, and expressing anticipation
of my return to Virginia.*
* *' Camp Rappahannock, October 26, 1863.
** My DEAR General,— -I have received your three letters, September
26, October 6, and October 11. The first was received just as I was
about to make a move upon General Meade, to prevent his detachinj^
reinforcements to Ilosecrans. The second when I had gone as far as I
thought I could advantageously go ; and the third since my return to
this place. I have read them all with interest and pleasure, but have
not had time to reply till now.
**I rejoice at your great victory deeply. It seemed to me to have
been complete. I wish it could have been followed up by the destruc-
tion of the Federal army. As regards your proposition as to myself, I
wish that I could feel that it was prompted by other reasons than kind
feelings to myself. I think that you could do better than I could. It
was with that view I urged your going. The President, l>eing on the
ground, I hope will do all that can be done. He has to take a broad
view of the whole ground, and must order as he deems best. I will
cheerfully do anything in my power.
''In addition to other infirmities, I have been suflTering so much from
rheumatism iu my back that I could scarcely get aliout. The first two
days of our march I had to be hauled in a wagon, and subsequently
every motion of my horse, and indeed of my body, gave much pain. I
am rather better now, though I still suffer. We could not come up
with Meade. We had to take circuitous and by-roads, while he had
broad and passable routes on either side of the railroad. We struck
his rear-guards three times, — the last at Bristoe, where Hill with his
advance of two brigades fell too precipitately on one of his corps,—
suffered a repulse and loss. He was finally driven beyond Bull Run. I
470 FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
The President left the army more despondent than he
found it. General Peniberton's misfortune at Vicksburg
gave rise to severe prejudice of the people and the army,
and when the troops heard of the purpose of the Presi-
dent to assign him to command of Polk's coriis, parts of
the army were so near to nmtiny that he concluded to call
General Hardee to that command. A few days aft«r he
left us a severe season of rain set in, and our commander
used the muddy roads to excuse his failure to execute the
campaign that the President had ordered.
Late on the 20th of September and during the 21st,
General Rosecrans rei>orted his condition deplorable,
and expressed doubt of his holding at Chattanooga, and
called to General Burnside in East Tennessee, to whom
he looked for aid ; but finding only feeble efforts to fol-
low our success he recovered hope, prepared defensive
works, and was looking to renewal of his aggressive work
when he was relieved.
From accounts made public since the war it appears
that his animals were so reduced from want of forage at
saw he could easily get behind his intrenchments in front of Alexan-
dria. Our men were dreadfully ofT for shoes, blankets, and clothes.
One division alone had over a thousand barefooted men. We had failed
to take any, and I fear had failed to manage as well as we might The
country was a jwrfect waste. A northeast storm broke upon us. There
was neither shelter nor food for man or beast. I saw no real good I could
accomplish by manoeuvring. The enemy had destroyed the bridge
over the Rappahannock and blown up one of the piers. The fireshet
after we left the Rapidan carried away the railroad bridge over that
river. I therefore withdrew to the Rappahannock, destroying the rail-
road from Cub Run (this side Manassas Junction) to the Rappahannock
River.
** We inflicted some punishment upon the enemy, — captured upward
of two thousand four hundred prisoners.
"But I missed you dreadfully, and your brave corps. Your cheerftil
face and strong arms w^ould have been invaluable. I hope you will
soon return to me. I trust we may soon be together again. May Gk>d
preserve you and all with you.
" Very truly yours,
'* R £. Leb.
"Gexebal Longstreet."
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SUCCESS. 471
the time of the October rains that General Kusecrans
could not move his artillery over the muddy roads, which
suggests mention that the campaign ordered by the Presi-
dent from the change of base could have forced him from
his works in his crippled condition, and given us com-
fortable operations between him and his reinforcements
coming from Virginia and Mississippi.
In his oflRcial account. General Bragg said that the road
on the south side was left under my command, which is
misleading. My command — three divisions— was on his
line of investment, east of the city and of the mountain ;
the road was west of the mountain from six to twenty
miles from the command. We were in support of his bat-
teries, to be ready for action at the moment his artillery
practice called for it. We held nearly as much of his
line as the other eight divisions. None of the com-
manders had authority to move a man from the lines until
the 8th of October, when he gave orders for posting the
sharp-shooters west of the mountain. The exposure of
this detachment was so serious that I took the liberty to
send a brigade as a rallying force fur it, and the exposure
of these led me to inquire as to the assistance they could
have from our cavalry force operating on tlie line from
the mountain to Bridgeport, some eight or ten miles be-
hind them. The cavalry was not found as watchful as
the eyes of an army should be, and I reported them to
the general, but he thought otherwise, assured me that his
reports were regular, daily and sometimes oftener.
Nevertheless, prudence suggested more careful guard,
and I ordered Captain Manning, who brought from Vir-
ginia part of my signal force, to establish a station in
observation of Bridgeport and open its communication
with my head-quarters. General Bragg denied all re-
ports sent him of the enemy from my signal party, treated
them with contempt, then reported that the road was
under my command.
472 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
His report is remarkable in that he failed to notice the
conduct of his oflScers, except of the killed and wounded
and one division commander whom he found at daylight
of the 21st advancing his line of skirmishers in careful
search of the enemy who had retreated at early twilight
the evening before under shouts from the Confederate
army that made tlie heavy wood reverberate with resound-
ing shouts of victory. That oflScer he commended as the
" ever vigilant." He gave due credit to his brave soldiers
for their gallant execution of his orders to charge and
continue to charge against the enemy's strongholds, as he
knew that they would under his orders until their efforts
were successful, but the conduct of the battle in all of its
phases discredits this claim. When the right wing of
his army stepped into the Lafayette-Rossville road the
enemy's forces were in full retreat through McFarland
Gap, and all fighting and charging had ceased, except the
parting blows of Preston's division with Granger's re-
serve corps. A peculiar feature of the battle was the early
ride of both commanders from the field, leaving the battle
to their troops. General Rosecrans was generous enough
to acknowledge that he left his battle in other hands.
General Bragg claimed everything for himself, failing to
mention that other hands were there.
While General Rosecrans was opening a route beyond
reach of our sharp-shooters, his chief engineer. General
W. F. Smith, was busy upon a plan for opening the line
of railway on the south side, and his first step was to
break up the line of sharp-shooters. On the 19th he
made a survey of the river below Chattanooga. On the
same day General Rosecrans was superseded in command
by General George H. Thomas. A day or two after that
my signal party reported some stir about the enemy's
camps near Bridgeport, and the cavalry reported a work-
ing force at Nicojack Cave.
The cavalry was put under my orders for a reconnois-
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SUCCESS. 473
sance, and I was ordered to send a brigade of infantry
scouting for the working party. Nothing was found at
the Cave or by the reconnoissance, and the cavalry ob-
jected to my authority. On the 25th orders came to me
to hold the mountain by a brigade of infantry. After
ordering the brigade, I reported a division necessary to
make possession secure, suggesting that the enemy's best
move was from Bridgeport and along the mountain crest ;
that we should assume that he would be wise enough to
adopt it, unless w^e prepared against it. But our com-
mander was disturbed by suggestions from subordinates,
and thought them presumptuous when they ventured to
report of the probable movements of the enemy.
On the night of the 27th of October, General Smith
moved to the execution of his plan against our line of
sharp-shooters. He put fifty pontoon-boats and two flat-
boats in the river at Chattanooga, the former to take
twenty-five men each, the latter from forty to seventy-
five, — the boats to float quietly down the river eight miles
to Brown's Ferry, cross and land the troops. At the
same time a sufficient force was to march by the highway
to the same point, to be in readiness for the boats to carry
them over to their comrades. The sharp-shooters had
been posted for the sole purpose of breaking up the haul
along the other bank, and not with a view of defending
the line, nor was it defensible, while the enemy had every
convenience for making a forced crossing and lodge-
ment.
The vigilant foe knew his opportunity, and only waited
for its timely execution. It is needless to say that Gen-
eral Smith had little trouble in establishing his point.
He manned his boats, floated them down to the crossing,
landed his men, and soon had the boats cross back for his
other men, pushed them over, and put them at work in-
trenching the strong ground selected for their holding.
By daylight he was comfortably intrenched, and had his
474 1R03I MAX.UfeiAS TO APPOMATTOX.
artillery on the other side iu poeition to :^weep along the
front.
The ContVfilerate commamler Jiil not think well enough
of his line when he hail it to pre[>are to hold it, but when
he found that tlie enemy proiK><ed to use it, he thought to
order his infantry down to recover the ground just demon-
strateil as indefensible, and ordered me to meet him on the
mountain next morning to le^irn his plans and receive his
instructions for the work.
That afternoon the signal i>arty reported the enemy ad-
vancing from Bridge|>ort in force, — artillery and infantry.
This desj)atch was forwanled to head-quarters, but was dis-
credited. It was rei>eateil alx)ut dark, and again forwardetl
an<l denied.
On the morning of the 28th I re|x>rted as ordered. The
general complained of my party sending up false alarms.
The only answer that I could make was that they had
been about two vears in that service, and had not made
such mistakes before.
AVliile laying his plans, sitting on the ix)int of Lookout
rock, the enemy threw some shells at us, and succeeded in
bursting one about two hundreil feet below us. That an-
gered the general a little, and he ordered Alexander to
drop some of his shells about their heads. As this little
practice went on, a despatch messenger came bursting
through the brushwood, asking for General Longstreet,
and reported the enemy marching from Bridgeport along
the base of the mountain, — artillery and infantry. Gren-
eral Bragg denied the report, and rebuked the soldier for
sensational alarms, but the soldier said, " General, if you
will ride to a point on the west side of the mountain I
will show them to you." We rode and saw the Eleventh
and Tw^elfth Corps under General Hooker, from the Army
of the Potomac, marching quietly along the valley towards
Brown's Ferry. The general was surprised. So was L
But my surprise was that he did not march along the
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SUCCESS. 475
mountain top, instead of the valley. It could have been
occupied with as little loss as he afterwards had and- less
danger. He had marched by our line of cavalry without
their knowing, and General Bragg had but a brigade of
infantry to meet him if he had chosen to march down
along the top of the mountain, and that was posted
twenty miles from support.
My estimate of the force was five thousand. General
Bragg thought it not so strong, and appearance from the
elevation seemed to justify his estimate. Presently the
rear-guard came in sight and made its bivouac imme-
diately in front of the point upon which we stood. The
latter force was estimated at fifteen hundred, and halted
about three miles in rear of the main body.
A plan was laid to capture the rear-guard by night at-
tack. He proposed to send me McLaws's and Jenkins's
divisions for the work, and ordered that it should be done
in time for the divisions to withdraw to the point of the
mountain before daylight, left me to arrange details for at-
tack, and rode to give orders for the divisions, but changed
his mind without giving me notice, and only ordered Jen-
kins's division. After marching his command, General
Jenkins rode to the top of the mountain and reported.
The route over which the enemy had marched was
along the western base of a series of lesser heights, offer-
ing strong points for our troops to find positions of de-
fence between his main force and his rear-guard. After
giving instructions to General Jenkins, he was asked to
explain the plan of operations to General McLaws in case
the latter was not in time to view the position from the
mountain before night. A point had been selected and
ordered to be held by one of Jenkins's brigades supported
by McLaws's division, while General Jenkins was to use
his other brigades against the rear-guard, which rested in
the edge of a woodland of fair field of approach. The
point at which Law's brigade rested after being forced
47G FROM 3IAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
from its guard of the line of sharp-shooters was near the
northern base of the mountain about a mile east of the
route of the enemy's line of march. As Greneral Law's
detached service had given him opix>rtunity to learn some-
thing of the country, his brigade was chosen as the brigade
of position between the parts of the enemy's forces. Gen-
eral Law was to move first, get into jxisition by crossing
the bridge over Lookout Creek, to be followed by Jen-
kins's other brigades, when Mcljiiws's division was to ad-
vance to position in sup|>ort of Law's brigade.
I waited on the mountain, the only jK)int from which
the operations could be seen, until near midnight, when,
seeing no indications of the movements, I rode to the
point that had been assigned for their assembly, found the
officers in wait discussing the movements, and, upon in-
(juiry, learned that McLiiws's division had not been or-
dered. Under the impression that the other division
commander understood that the move had miscarried, I
rode back to my head-quarters, failing to give counter-
manding orders.
The gallant Jenkins, however, decided that the plan
should not be abandoned, and went to work in its execu-
tion by his single division. To quiet the apprehensions
of General Law he gave him Robertson's brigade to be
posted with his own, and Benning's brigade as their sup-
ix)rt, and ordered his own brigade under Colonel Bratton
to move cautiously against the rear-guard, and make the
attack if the opportunity was encouraging.
As soon as Colonel Bratton engaged, the alarm spread,
the enemy hastened to the relief of his rear, encountered
the troops pasted to receive them, and made swift, severe
battle. General Law claimed that he drove off their fight,
and, under the impression that Colonel Bratton had fin-
ished his work and recrossed the bridge, withdrew his
command, leaving Colonel Bratton at the tide of his en-
irasrement. General Jenkins and Colonel Bratton were
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SUCCESS. 477
left to their own cool and gallant skill to extricate the
brigade from the swoop of numbers accumulating against
them, and, with the assistance of brave Benning's Rock
brigade, brought the conmiand safely over, Benning's bri-
gi\de crossing as Bratton reached the bridge.
The conduct of Bratton 's forces was one of the cleverest
I)iece3 of work of the war, and the skill of its handling
softened the blow that took so many of our gallant officers
and soldiers.
Colonel Bratton made clever disposition of his regi-
ments, and handled them well. He met gallant resist-
ance, and in one instance had part of his command forced
back, but renewed the attack, making his line stronger,
and forced the enemy into crowded ranks and had him
under converging circular fire, with fair prospects, when
recalled under orders to hasten to the bridge. So urgent
was the order that he left the dead and some of the
wounded on the field.
General Luw lost of liis own brigade (aggregate) ... 43
General Rol)ertHoii (1 wouiKk'd and 8 missing) .... 9
Colonel Bratton lost (aggregate) 356
Confederate loss 408
Union loss (aggregate) 420
It was an oversight of mine not to give definite orders
for the troops to return to their camps before leaving
them.
General Jenkins was ordered to inquire into the con-
duct of the brigades of position, and reported evidence
that General Law had said that he did not care to win
General Jenkins's spurs as a major-general. He was or-
dered to prepare charges, but presently when we were
ordered into active campaign in Eiist Tennessee he asked
to have the matter put off to more conveni(»nt time.
We may pause here to reflect upon the result of the
combination against Rosecrans's army in September, after
our lines of transit were seriously disturbed, and after the
•17<S FKOM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
»scviMt' los.'jes in Pcnni^ylvuuia, Mi^^ssissijipi, and Tennessee ;
and to c()n}?icUT in contrast the probable resnltof tlie com-
bination if eflected in the earlv davs of Mav, when it was
first })ropos(»d (see strategic niaj)).
At tliat time (Jcnc^ral (Jrant was niarchin^j to hiv sie^e
upon Vicksburg. The campaign in Virginia had been
setth»d, for the time, by the battle of ChanceUoi-sville.
Our railways were oi)en and free from Virginia through
East Tennessee, Oeorgia, Ahd)ama, to Central Missis-
sippi. The armies of RoscKTans and Bragg were stand-
ing near Murfreesboro' and Shelbyville, Tennessee. The
Richmond authorities were trying to collect a force at
.lackson, ^lississippi, to drive (imnt's army from the siege.
Two divisions of the First Corps of the Army of Northern
Virginia were marching from Suffolk to join General
Ij(*e at Fredericksburg. Under these circumstances, posi-
tions, and conditions, I proposed to Secretary Seddon, and
afterwards to General Lee, as the only means of relief
for Vic*ksburg, that Johnston should be ordered with his
troops to join Bragg's army ; that the divisions marching
for Fredericksburg should be ordered to meet Jolinston's,
the transit over converging lines would give speedy com-
bination, and Johnston should be ordered to strike Roso-
crans in overwh(»lming numbers and march on to the
Ohio River.
As the combination of Septemlu'r and battle of Chicka-
mauo:a drew General Grant's armv from its work in Mis-
sissippi to protect the line through Tennessee and Ken-
tucky, and two Federal corps from the Army of the
Potomac, the inference is fair that the earlier, more pow-
erful combination would have oi)ened ways for grand
results for the South, saved the eight thousand lost in
defending the march for Vicksburg, the thirty-one thou-
sand surrendered there. Port IIu<lson and its garrison
of six thousand, and the splendid Army of Northern
^"il•ginia the twenty thoussnid lost at Gettysburg. And
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SUCCESifJ. 479
who can say that with these sixty-five thousand soldiers
saved, and in the ranks, the Southern cause woukl not
have been on a grand ascending grade with its bayonets
and batteries bristling on the banks of the Ohio Riv^er
on the 4th day of July, 18G3 !
The elections of 1862 were not in support of the
Emancipation Proclamation. With the Mississippi River
still closed, and the Southern army along the banks of
the Ohio, the elections of 1864 would have been still
more pronounced against the Federal policy, and a new
administration could have found a solution of the politi-
cal imbroglio. " Blood is thicker than water.''
CHAPTER XXXIIL
THE EAST TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN.
General H ruga's I ii fat uatioii— General Grant in Command of the Fed-
eral Forces— Loll gHtreet ordered into East Tennessee — His Plans for
tin? Campaign— PcK>rly supiwrted by his Superior — Foraging for Daily
Kations— (leneral Burnside's Forces — Advance upon Kuozville —
Atlairs at Lenoir's and Campbell's Stations— Engagement near Knox-
ville an Artillery Combat — Reprehensible Conduct of Offloers — Allege-
ment that One was actuated by Jealousy— Federals retire behind their
Works— Laying the Confederate Lines about Knox ville.
About tlie 1st of November it was rumored about cam})
that I was to be ordered into East Tennessee against Gen-
eral Burnside's army. At the moment it seemed impos-
sible that our commander, after rejecting a proposition for
a similar move made just after his battle, when flushed
with victory and the enemy discomfited, could now think
of sending an important detachment so far, when he knew
that, in addition to the reinforcements that had joined the
Union army, another strong column was marching from
Memphis under General Sherman, and must reach Cliat-
tanooga in fifteen or twenty days. But on second thoughts
it occurred to me that it might, after all, be in keeping with
his peculiarities, and then it occurred to me that there are
many ways to compass a measure when the spirit leads.
So I set to work to try to helj) his plans in case the report
I)roved true.
After a little reflection it seemed feasible that by with-
drawing his army from its lines about Chattanooga to
strong concentration behind the Chickamauga River, and
recalling his detachment in East Tennessee (the latter to
give the impression of a westward move), and at the mo-
ment of concentration sending a strong force for swift
march against General Burnside. — strong enough to crush
480
THK EAST TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN. 481
liini, — and returning to Chattanooga before the army under
General Sherman couhl reach there (or, if he thought
better, let the detachment strike into Kentucky against the
enemy's communications), something worth while could
be effected.
Presently I was called, with Lieutenant-General Hardee
and Major-General Breckenridge, the other corps com-
manders, to learn his plans and receive his orders. He
announced his purpose in general terms to send me into
East Tennessee, then paused as if inviting the opinions
of others, when I stated that the move could be made,
but it would be hazardous to make a detachment strong
enough for rapid work while his army was spread along
a semicircle of six miles, with the enemy concentrated at
the centre, whence he could move in two or three threat-
ening columns, to hold his line to its extension, and give
his real attack such power that it must break through by
its weight. Then I suggested the operations herein just
mentioned.
He ordered the move to be made by my two divisions,
Alexander's and Leydon's artillery, and Wheeler's cav-
alry and horse artillery. We had the promise of a force,
estimated from three to five thousand, that was to come
from Southwest Virginia and meet us, but that com-
mand was to start from a point two hundred miles from
our starting, march south as we marched north, and meet
us at Knoxville. General Bragg estimated General Burn-
side^s force south of Knoxville at fifteen thousand. I
repeated the warning that the move as ordered was not
such as to give assurances of rapid work, saying that my
march and campaign against the enemy's well-guarded
positions must be made with care, and that would consume
so much time that General Grant's army would be up,
when he would organize attack that must break through
the line before I could return to him. His sardonic smile
seemed to fl^^J^^g^^ew little of his army or of himself
81
^
iS'i rilOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
in itssuming sucli a possibility. So confident was he of
liis position that I ventured to ask that my column should
be increased to twenty thousand infantry and artillery,
but he intimated that further talk was out of order.
(Jeneral Grant had in the mean time joined the army
and assumed command on the 22d of October, and it was
known that General Sherman was marching to join him.
On the 2()th of October General Burnside reported by
letter * to General Grant an army of twenty-two thousand
three hundred men, with ninety-odd guns, but his returns
for November show a force of twenty-five thousand two
hundred and ninety and over one hundreil guns. Eight
thousand of his men were on service north of Knoxville
and about Cumberland Gap.
To march, and capture or disperse this formidable force,
fortified at points, I had McLaws's and Hood's divisions of
infantry, Colonel Alexander's and Major Leydon's artil-
lery, and four brigades of General Wheeler's cavalry.
Kershaw's, Humphreys's, Wofford's, and Bryan's brigades
constituted McLaws's divisicm. Hood's division, which
was commanded during the campaign by Brigadier-Gen-
eral M. Jenkins, was made up of Jenkins's, Anderson's,
Benning's, Law's, and Robertson's brigades. General
Wheeler's cavalry was organized into two divisions of two
brigades each, — General John T. ^Morgan's Alabama and
Colonel Cruse's Georgia brigades, under ]\Iajor-Geueral
W. T. Martin ; Colonels G. G. Dibbrell's Tennessee and
Thomas Harrison's Texas brigades, under Brigadier-Gen-
eral Frank Armstrong. This made about fifteen tliousand
men, after deducting camp guards and foraging parties.
The remote contingent that w^as to come from Southwest
Virginia was an unknown quantity, not to be considered
until it could report for service.
As soon as the conference at head-quarters adjourned
* Rebellion lieeord, vol. xxxi. part i. p. 680.
THE EAST TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN. 48o
orders were issued for Alexander's artillery to be witli-
drawn from Lookout Mountain, and General ]\IeLavvs was
ordered to withdraw his division from the general line
after night. Both commands were ordered to Tyner's
Station to take the cars for Sweetwater on the 4th.
Control of the trains was under General Bragg's quar-
termaster, who had orders for the cars to be ready to
transport the troops on their arrival, but the trains were
not ready until the 5th. The brigades arrived at Sweet-
water on the 6th, 7th, and 8th. Alexander's batteries
were shipped as soon as cars were ready. To expedite
matters, his horses and wagons were ordered forward by
the dirt road ; the batteries found cars, the last battery
getting to Sweetwater on the 10th. Jenkins's division
and Leydon's batteries were drawn from the lines on the
6th and ordered to meet the cars at the tunnel through
Missionary Ridge. They reached the station in due sea-
son, but the cars were not there. After waiting some
days, the battery horses and horses of mounted officers
were ordered by the wagon road. Tired of the wait, I
advised the troops to march along the road and find the
cars where they might have the good fortune to meet
them, the officers, whose horses had been sent forward,
marching with the soldiers.
General Bragg heard of the delay and its cause, but
began to urge the importance of more rapid movements.
His effort to make his paper record at my expense was
not pleasing, but I tried to endure it with patience. He
knew that trains and conductors were under his exclusive
control, but he wanted papers that would throw the respon--
sibility of delay upon other shoulders.
On the 8th and 9th the infantry marched as far as
Cleveland, about thirty miles, where the train-masters
gave notice that the trains could meet them, but it was
not until the 12th that the last of the brigades reached
184 FUOM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
While waitiiij; lor traiisj)orta(U)n, I wrote some of my
IVieiuls to cxeuse my failure to stop ami my good-by. The
letter written to tieneral Buekner wa^i returned to me
some months after, endorsed hy him as having important
hearinji; uj^on events as they transpired, — viz. :
^* Wkdxesday, November 5, 1863.
*vMy dkar Gkxeuai^ — I start to-day for Tyner's Station, and
exi)oet to jjcet transportation to-morrow for Sweetwater. The
weather is so bad, and I find myself so mueli oceupied, that I
shall not be ai)le to see yon to sjiy good-by.
**Wheii I heard the leport aronnd eamp tliat I was to go into
EiLst Tc»nn<*ss(H% I set to work at once to try and plan the means
for making the move with seenrity and the hope of great results.
As <»very other move had be(*n proposed to the general and re-
jeeted or pnt off nntil time had made them inconvenient, I came
to the eonolnsion, as soon as the report i*eaehed me, that it was to
l)e the fate of onr army to wait nntil all good opportunities had
passiHl, and then, in desperation, seize upon the least favorable
movement.
*^ As no one had proposeil this East Tennessee campaign to the
general, I thought it possible that we might accomplish some-
thing by encouraging his own move, and piH)]M)sed the following
]dan, — viz. : to withdraw from our i)resent lines and our forces in
East Tennessee (the latter to l)e done in order to give the impres-
sion to the enemy that we were retiring from East Tennessee and
concentrating nesir him for battle or for some other movement)
and i)laee our ai'my in a strong concentrated iK>sition behind
(•hiekamangii Kiver. The moment the army was together, to
make a detachment of twenty thousand to move rapidly against
Burnside and d(«troy him ; and by continued rapid movements to
threaten the enemy^s rear and his communications to the extent
that might l)e necessjiry to draw him out from his present posi-
tion. Tiiis, at best, is but a tedious process, but I thought it
giive promise of some results, and was, therefore, better than
Ix^ing here destroying ourselves. Tlie move, as I proposed it^
would have left this army in a strong position and safe, and
would have made sure the capture of Burnside, — that is^ the
army could spare twenty thousand, if it were in the position
that I proposed, better than it can spare twelve, occupying the
lines that it now does. Twenty thousand men, well handled,
eonhl snrely have captured Burnside and his foi^ces. Un
THE EAST TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN. 485
present arraugemeuts, however, the lines are to be held as they
now are and the detachment is to be of twelve thousand. We
thus expose both to failure, and really take no chancre to our-
selves of great results. The only notice my plan received was a
remark that General Hardee was pleased to make, *I don't think
that that is a bad idea of Longstreet's.' I undertook to explain
the danger of having such a long line under fire of the enemy's
batteries, and he concentrated, as it were, right in our midst, and
within twenty minutes' march of any portion of our line. But I
was assured that he would not disturb us. I repeated my ideas,
but they did not even receive notice. It was not till I had
repeated them, however, that General Hardee noticed me. Have
you any maps that you can give or lend me! I shall need every-
thing of the kind. Do you know any reliable people, living near
and ejist of Knoxville, from whom I might get information of the
condition, strength, etc., of the enemy! I have written in such
hurry and confusion of packing and striking ciimp (in the rain
and on the head of an empty flour barrel) that I doubt if I have
made myself understood. I remain
** Sincerely your friend,
** J. LONGSTREET,
* ' LieiUe7ia)U- Ge^ieral.
'*• To Major-General S. B. Buckner,
** Commanding Division.^ ^
Three months thereafter General Buckner returned
the letter with the following :
(Endorsement.)
''MoRRiSTOWN, Tenn., February 1, 1864.
^^ General, — It seems to me, after reading this letter again,
that its predictions are so full a vindication of your judgment
of the movements then ordered, that it should remain in your
possession, with a view that at some future day it may serve to
* vindicate the truth of history.' I place it at your disx)Osal with
that view.
*' Truly your friend,
**S. B. Buckner,
* * Major- General.
"To Lieuten ant-General J. Longstreet."
I asked at general head-quarters for maps and informa-
tion of the country through which I wa^s to operate, for a
liS<) FKOM MAXAS8AS TO APPOMATTOX.
quartermaster and commissary of subsistence who knew
of the resources of the country, and for an engineer officer
who had served with General Buckner when in command
of that department. Neither of the staff-officers was sent,
nor a map, except one of the topographical outlines of the
country between the Hiawassee and Tennessee Rivers,
which was much in rear of the field of our pro|X)8ed
operations. General Buckner was good enough to send
me a })lot of the roads and streams between Loudon and
Knoxville.
We were again disappointed at Sweetwater. We were
started from Chattanooga on short rations, but comforted
by the assurance that produce was abundant at that point,
and so it proved to be ; but General Stevenson, command-
ing the outpost, reported his orders from the commanding
general were to ship all of his supplies to his army, and
to retire with his own command and join him upon our
arrival. In this connection it should be borne in mind
that we were recently from Virginia, — coming at the
heated season, — where we left most of our clothing and
blankets and all of our wagon transportation ; and by this
time, too, it was understood through the command that
the Richmond authorities were holding thunder-clouds
over the head of the commander, and that Gteneral Bragg
was disposed to make them more portentous by his press-
ing calls for urgency.
Thus we found ourselves in a strange country, not as
much as a day's rations on hand, with hardly enough land
transportation for ordinary camp equij>age, the enemy in
front to be captured, and our friends in rear putting in
their paper bullets. This sounds more like romance than
war, but I appeal to the records for the facts, including
reports of my chiefs of quartermaster and subsistence
departments and General Alexander's account of the con*
dition of some of the battery horses and ammunition.
Our foraging parties were lively, and we lost but a
THE EAST TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN. 487
and part of another in gathering in rations for a start.
Anticipating proper land transportation, plans were laid
for march across the Little Tennessee above its confluence
with the greater river, through Marysville to the heights
above Knoxyille on the east bank, by forced march. This
would have brought the city close under fire of our field
batteries and forced the enemy into open grounds. A
guide had been secured who claimed to be familiar with
the country, and was useful in laying our plans. But
when our j^ontoon bridge came up it was without a train
for hauling. So our plan must be changed.
Fortunately, we found a point in a bend of the river
near the railroad at which we could force a crossing. At
dark the cars were rolled up to that point by hand, and
we learned that the Little Tennessee River above us was
fordable for cavalry. General Wheeler had been ordered
to have vedettes along the river from Loudon to some
distance below Kingston, where a considerable body of
Union troops occupied the north bank. He was ordered
with his other troops to prepare for orders to cross the
Little Tennessee at its fords, ride to Marysville, capture
the enemy's cavalry outpost at that point, ride up the
east side of the river to Knoxville, and seize the heights
overlooking the city ; or, finding that not feasible, to
endeavor to so threaten as to hold the enemy's forces there
to their works, while we marched against the troops of the
west side ; but when he found his service on that side
ceased to be effective or co-operative with our movements,
to cross the river and join the main column.
As just now explained, the failure of wagons for our
pontoon bridge forced us to cross at Loudon, and to make
direct march upon Knoxville by that route.
Weary of the continual calls of General Bragg for
hurried movements, it seemed well to make cause for him
to assign another commander or to move him to discontinue
his work at; a paper record ; so I wired to remind him that
488 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
lie assured me before sending me away that he was safe in
his position, and that he was told before my leaving that
the command was not strong enough to excuse any but a
careful, proper campaign ; that he had since been informetl
that all delays of our movements were due to his ineffi-
cient staff corps, and that we were dependent upon for-
aging for our daily rations for men and animals. It began
to look more like a campaign against Longstreet than
against Burnside.
As General Burnside's orders were to hold Knoxville,
he decided to act on the defensive. Leaving the troops in
the northern district of his dei)artment in observation of
that field, he withdrew his division on the south side of
Tennessee River as we marched for Loudon, took up his
pontoon bridge, and broke up the railroad bridge.
Orders were issued on the 12th for the general move of
my cavalry by Marysville, the infantry and artillery along
the railroad route. Pains were taken to have the bridge
equipments carried by hand to the river, and skirmishing
parties put in the boats and drifted to the opposite bank.
The troops in rear were marched during the night to the
vicinity of Loudon and held in readiness in case the
enemy came to oppose our crossing. The bridge was laid
under the supervision of General Alexander and Major
Clark, our chief engineer, at Huff's Ferry, without serious
resistance.
A few miles east of Loudon the Holston * and Little
Tennessee Rivers come together, making the Tennessee
River, which flows from the confluence west to Kingston,
where it resumes its general flow southwest. The Holston
rises in the mountains north and flows south to the junction.
The Little Tennessee rises in the mountains east and flows
west to the junction. The railroad crosses the main river
at Loudon, thirty miles from Knoxville, and runs about
* 8inco thoso days Ihc name of Holston Iiiw been cliaiigcKl to the T^M^
THE EAST TEX.VESSEE CAMPAIGN. 4S!J
parallel to the Holston River, and near its west bank.
"West of the railroad and parallel is a broken spur of the
Clinch Mountain range, with occasional gaps or passes for
vehicles, and some other blind wagon-roads and cattle-
trails. West of this spur, and near its base, is the main
wagon-road to Knoxville, as far as Campbell Station,
about seventeen miles, where it joins the Kingston road,
jiasses a gap, and unites with the wagon-road that runs
with the railroad east of the mountain spur at Camj)-
bell Station, South of this gap, about eleven miles, is
another pass at Lenoir's Mill, and three miles south of
that another pa.ss, not used.
A detail of sharp-shooters under Captain Foster, of
Jenkins's brigade, manned the first boats and made a suc-
c^essful lodging, after an exchange of a few shots witli the
enemy's picket-guard on the north bank. They intended
to surprise and capture the picket and thus secure quick
and quiet passage, hut in that they were not successful.
The north bank was secured, however, without loss, and
troops were passed rapidly over to hold it, putting out a
good skirmish line in advance of the bridge-head. As we
advanced towards Loudon, the part of General White's
Union division that had been on the opposite bank of the
river was withdrawn to Lenoir's Station.
During the 13th and 14th the command was engaged
in making substantial fastenings for the bridge and con-
structing its defences. General Vaughn's regiments and
a battery of Major Leydon's (with broken-down horses)
were assigned to guard the bridge.
On the afternoon of the 14th the enemy appeared on
our front in strong force, drove our skirmish line back,
and seemed prepared to give battle. As we were then
waiting the return of our foraging wagons, we could only
prepare to receive him. Some of the provisions looked
lor cium; in during the night, and we advanced on the
]-5th, finding that the enemy had retired, The force that
490 FKOM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
came back to meet us on the loth was part of White's di-
vision (Chapin's brigade) sent by General Burnside, and
General Potter, commanding the Ninth Corps, sent Gen-
eral Ferrero with his division. The move was intended
probably to delay our march. It was Chapin's brigade
that made the advance against our skirmishers, and it prob-
ably suffered some in the affair. We lost not a single man.
General Wheeler crossed the Little Tennessee River at
Motley's Ford at nightfall on the 13tli, and marched to
cut off* the force at Marysville. He came upon the com-
mand, only one regiment, the Eleventh Kentucky Cav-
alry, that was advised in time to j)repare for him. He
attacked as soon as they came under fire, dispersed them
into small parties that made good their escape, except ono
hundred and fifty tiiken by Dibbrell's brigade. Colonel
Wolford brought up the balance of his brigade and made
strong efforts to support his broken regiment, but was
eventually forced back, and was followed by the Eighth
and Eleventh Texas and Third Arkansas Cavalry and
General John T. Morgan's brigade. The next day he
encountered Sanders's division of cavalry and a battery,
and, after a clean cavalry engagement of skilful manoeu-
vres on both sides, succeeded in reaching the vicinity of
the city of Knoxville, but found it too well guarded to
admit of any very advantageous work.
On the 15th our advance was cautiously made by Hood's
division and Alexander's artillery leading ; McLaws's di-
vision and Leydon's artillery following. All along the
route of the railroad the valley between the mountain
and the river is so narrow and rough that a few thousand
men can find many points at which they can make success-
ful stands against great odds. Our course was taken to
turn all of those points by marching up the road on the
west side of the mountain. A few miles out from our
bridge we encountered a skirmishing party near the lower
gap of the mountain, which, when pressed back, ]
THE EAST TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN. 41)1
through the gap. General Jenkins continued his march —
leaving a guard at the gap till it could be relieved by
General McLaws — to Lenoir's Station.
The enemy was looking for us to follow through the
lower gaps and attack his strong front, and was a little
surprised to find us close on his right flank. He was well
guarded there, however, against precipitate battle by the
mountain range and narrow pass and the heavy, muddy
roads through which our men and animals had to pull.
Arrangements were made for a good day's work from
early morning.
Our guide promised to lead part of our men through a
blind route during the night by which we could cut off the
enemy's retreat, so that they would be securely hemmed
in. Generals Jenkins and McLaws came up during the
night. The former was ordered to advance part of his
command to eligible points at midnight and hold them
ready for use at daylight. The guide was sent with a
brigade to the point which was to intercept the enemy's
retreat. McLaws was held on the road, ready for use east
or west of the ridge. Jenkins was ordered to have parties
out during the night to watch that the enemy did not
move, and report. As no report came from them, all
things were thought to be properly adjusted, when we ad-
vanced before daylight. In feeling our way through the
weird gray of the morning, stumps seen on the road-
side were taken to be sharp-shooters, but we were surprised
that no one shot at us, when, behold ! before it was yet
quite light, we came upon a park of eighty wagons, well
loaded with food, camp equipage, and ammunition, with the
ground well strewn with spades, picks, and axes.* The ani-
* Writing of these operations since the war, General E. M. Law, in an
article in the Philadelphia Weekly Presa of July 18, 1888, said,—
** During the night the sounds of retreat continued, and when day-
light came the valley about Lenoir presented the scene of an encamp-
ment deserted with ignominious haste."
But be did not take the trouble to report tlie retreat until nearly
45^2 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
nials liad been taken from the wagons to double their teams
througli the nuul. General Potter had sent the division
under (ieneral Hartrantt back to the Campbell Station
Pass to occupy the junction of his line of retreat with the
Kingston road and the road upon which we were march-
ing, and was well on the march with the balance of the
Ninth Corps, Ferrero's division and his cavalry, l)efore w(»
knew that there was an opening by which he could escajK*.
Our guide, who promised to post the brigade so as to
command the road in rear of the enemv, so far misseil his
route as to lead the brigade out of hearing of the enemy's
march during the night.
Hart's cavalry brigade that was left in ol^servation near
Kingston had been called up, and with Mcl^iws's division
advanced on the roads to Campbell Station, while (jeneral
Jenkins followed the direct line of retreat on double time,
and right royally did his skirmishers move. He brought
the rear to an occasional stand, but only leaving enough
to require him to form line for advance, when the enemy
again sped away on their rearward march at double time.
General Jenkins made the march before noon, but the
enemy had passed the gap and the junction of the roads,
and was well posted in battle array in rear of them.
General Mcl^aws was not up. He was not ordered on
double time, as it was thought to first bring the enemy to
bay on the east road, when some of his infantry could be
called over the mountain on the enemy's flank. General
Ferrero, who covered the retreat, reported that it was
necessary to attach from sixteen to twenty animals to a
piece to make the haul through the mud.
The retreat was very cleverly conducted, and was in
time to cover the roads into CampbelFs Station, forming
into line of battle to meet us. Jenkins's division, being
in advance, w^iis deployed on the right with Alexander's
Iwony-livr years afUT the war. Had ho done so at the |)ro|>er time
the work at CauipbeU's Station would have been in better seaBOi|,
^
TIIK KAST TEXXES8EE CAMPAKJN. lO:}
battalion. As soou as the line was organizetl the batteries
opened praetiee in deliberate, well-timed eoinl)at, but (Jen-
eral Alexander had the sympathy of liis audience. His
shells often exploded before they reached the game, and
at times as they passed from the muzzles of his guns, and
no remedy could be applied that improved their fire.
As General McLaws came up his division was put upon
our left with the other batteries, and Hart's brigade of
cavalry was assigned in that part to observe the enemy's,
fiirther off. It was not yet past meridian. We had ample
time to make a battle with confident hope of success, by
direct advance and the pressing in on the enemy's right
by McLaws's left, but our severe travel and labor after
leaving Virginia were not to find an opportunity to make
a simply successful battle. As the rear of the enemy was
open and could be covered, success would have been a
simj)le victory, and the enemy could have escaped to his
trenches at Knoxville, leaving us crippled and delayed ;
whereas as he stood he was ours. How we failed to make
good our claim we shall presently see.
McLaws was ordered to use one of his brigades well
out on his left as a diversion threatening the enemy's
right, and to use Hart's cavalry for the same purpose,
while General Jenkins was ordered to send two of his
brigades through a well-covered way off our right to
march out well past the enemy's left and strike down
against that flank and rear. General Law, being his
officer next in rank, wiis ordered in charge of his owni
and Anderson's brigades. General Jenkins rode with
the command, and put it in such position that the left
of this line would strike the left of the enemy's, thus
throwing the weight of the two brigades past the enemy's
rear. I rode near the brigades, to see that there could be
no mismove or misconception of orders. After adjusting
the line of the brigades, and giving their march the points
of direction, General Jenkins rode to his brigades on the
VM 1 UOM MANASSA8 TO APPOMATTOX.
front to lia utile them in direct attack. I remained near
the front of the flanking brigades for complete assurance
of the adjustment of their march, and waited until they
were so near that it was necessary to ride at speed, close
un(l(»r the enemy's line, to reach our main front, to time
its advance with the flanking move. The ride was made
alone, as less likely to draw the enemy's fire, the staff
riding around.
As I approached the front, the men sprang forward
without orders to open the charge, but were called to
await the ap])earance of the flanking move of our right.
But General Law had so changed direction as to bring his
entire force in front instead of in the rear of the enemy's
left. This gave him opportunity to change position to
strong ground in rear, which made other movements
necessiiry in view of the objective of the battle. There
was yet time for successful battle, but it would have been
a fruitless victory. Before other combinations suited to
our purpose could be made it was night, and the enemy
was away on his march to the fortified grounds about
Knoxville.
The demonstration of our left under General McLaws
was successful in drawing the enemy's attention, and in
causing him to change front of part of his command to
meet the threatening.
In his official account General Jenkins reported, —
'^ In a few minutes, greatly to my surprise, I received a mes-
Sii^e from General Law that in advancing his brigades he had
obliqued so much to the left as to have gotten out of its line of
attack. This careless and inexcusable movement lost us the few
moments in which success from this point could be attained.'' *
Apropos of this the following memorandum of a staff-
officer is interesting and informative :
>
* BebeUlou Record, vol. xxxi. part i. p. 626.
THE EAST TENXI>iSEE CAMPAIOX. 41)5
#
'*I know at the time it was currently reported that General
Law said he might have made the attack successfully, but that
Jenkins would have reaped the credit of it, and hence he de-
layed until the enemy got out of the way.''
Tliis liiis been called a battle, by the other side, but it
was only an artillery combat, little, very little, musket
ammunition being burnt. The next day the enemy was
safely behind his works about Knoxville, except his
cavalry under General Sanders and his horse artillery left
to delay our march. McLaws's division reached the
suburbs of the city a little after noon, and was deployed
from near the mouth of Third Creek as his right, the
enemy holding a line of dismounted cavalry skirmishers
about a thousand yards in advance of his line of works.
Alexander's artillery was disposed near McLaws's deploy-
ment. Jenkins got up before night and was ordered to
deploy on McLaws's left as far as the Tazewell road, pre-
ceded by Hart's cavalry, which was to extend the line
north to the Holston River. General Wheeler came up
later and was assigned to line with Colonel Hart.
The city stands on the right bank of the Holston
River, on a plateau about one and a half miles in width
and extending some miles down south. At Knoxville
the plateau is one hundred and twenty feet above the
river, and there are little streams called First, Second,
and Third Creeks, from the upper to the lower suburbs
of the city, — First Creek between the city and East
Knoxville, or Temperance Hill ; Second Creek between
the city and College Hill ; Third Creek below and
outside the enemy's lines of defence. The plateau
slopes down to the valley through which the railway
passes, and west of the valley it rises to the usual eleva-
tion. The Confederates were posted on the second pla-
teau, with their batteries of position. The line of the
enemy's works, starting at its lower point on the west
bank of the river, was just above the mouth of Second
I0r» riJoM MAXA?*S.\S TO APPOMATTOX.
Cnrk, Iviii;: at ri^lil :in;;K's (•» the river. It ran to a fort
i-niisinu'led by tin* Coiif'tHlrrates, when ix'cupied hy tliem
years before, ealliMl Fort Loinh)n, above the Kingston
road, and about a thou.sand vards in front of the colleire,
luist from that point it was about parallel with the river,
reaeliiiij^ to Teniperanee Hill, to Mabry's Hill, and to the
Holstoii, l)elow the ghi.ss-work.s. An interior line ex-
ten<led from Tem])eranee Hill to Flint Hill on the east,
and another on the west, between the outer line and Sec-
ond (.'reek. Dams were built across First and Second
Creeks, flooding and forming formidable wet ditches over
extensive parts of the line. Abatis, clievaux-ile-frise, and
wire entanglements >vere placed where thought to be ad-
vantageous for the defenders.
The heights on the northeast across the river are much
more elevated than the plateaux of the city side, and com-
mand all points of the west bank. These were defended
at some }x)ints by earthworks well manned. From the
lower point of the eneiiiy's line the Confederates extended
to his right at the river, conforming to his defensive lines.
The part of our line occupied by the cavalry was a mere
watch-guard.
Our move was hurried, and our transportation so lim-
ited that we liad only a few tools in the hands of small
j)ioneer parties, and our wagons were so engaged in col-
lecting daily rations that we found it necessary to send
our cavalry down to I^noir's for the tools captured there
for use in making rifle-pits for our sharp-shooters.
When General Burnside rode to the front to meet us
at Lenoir's he left General Parke in command at Knox-
ville, and he and Captain Poe, of the engineers, gave at-
tention to his partially-constructed works.
Upon laying our lines about Knoxville, the enemy's
forces in the northeast of his department were withdrawn
towards Cumberland Gap, but we had no information of
the troops ordered to meet us from Southwest Virginia.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
BESIEGING KNOXVILLE.
Closing on the Enemy's Lines— A Gallant Dash— The Federal Positions
—Fort Loudon, later called Fort Sanders— Assault of the Fort care-
fully planned — General MeLaws advises Delay— The Order reiterated
and emphasized— Gallant Effort by the Brigades of Generals Wofford,
Humphreys, and Bryan at the Appointed Time — A Recall ordered,
because carrying the Works was reported impossible — General Long-
street is ordered by the President to General Bragg's Relief— Losses
during the Assault and the Campaign.
The enemy's line of sharp-shooters and Fort Sanders
stood in our direct line of advance, — the fort manned by
the heaviest and best field guns. Benjamin's battery, an
old familiar acquaintance who had given us many hard
knocks in our Eastern service, opened upon us as soon as
we were in its reach. It was not until night of the 17th
that our line was well established, and then only so as to
enclose the enemy's front, leaving the country across the
river to be covered when the troops from Virginia should
join us.
When General McLaws advanced on the morning of
the 18th he found the enemy's line of skirmishers — cav-
alry dismounted — ^behind a line of heavy rail defences.
General Alexander was ordered to knock the rails about
them and drive them out, and was partially successful, hut
the enemy got back before our infantry could reach them,
so w(i had to carry the line by assault. Part of our line
droves up in fine style, and was measurably successful, but
otlun- parts, smarting under the stiff musket fire, hesitated
and lay down under such slight shelter as they could find,
but close under fire, — so close that to remain inactive would
endanger repulse. Captain Winthrop, of Alexander's staff,
appreciating the crisis, dashed forward on his horse and
led the halting lines successfully over the works. In his
82 497
^
4:»S FKiiM MVXas-^a-^ Ti> APP«>MATToX.
gallant ride he roivived a very severe hurt. Neither onr
number? nor our i-onditirm wore such as to warrant further
aggressive action at the moment, nor, in fact, until the
column from Virginia joined us. Our sharp-shooters
were advanced from night to night an<l pitteil before
davlight, each line Ix-ing held by new forces as th"* ad-
vance was made. Thi* first line occupied was a little
inside of the rail piles.
It seemed probable, upon first examination of the line
along the northwest, that we might break through, and
j)reparations were made for that effort, but, upoii closer
investigation, it was found to be too hazardous, and that
the Ijetter plan was to await the approach of the other
forces.
When within six hundred yards of the enemy's works,
our lines well pitted, it seemed safe to establish a battery
on an elevated plateau on the east (or south) side of the
river. Some of our troops were sent over in fiat-boats,
and the reconnoissance revealed an excellent point com-
manding the city and the enemy's lines of works, though
parts of his lines were beyond our range. Some of our
l>est guns were put in position, and our c-aptured pontoon
bridges down at Ix^noir's were sent for, to be hauled up
along the river, but impassable rapids were found, and we
were obliged to take part of our supply-train to haul them.
They were brought up, and communication between the
detachment and main force was made easy. The brigades
of Law and Robertson were left on the east (or south)
side as guard for that battery.
The Union forces were posted from left to right, — ^the
Ninth Corps, General K. D. Potter commanding. Gen-
eral Ferrero's division extended from the river to Second
Creek ; General Ilartranft's along part of the line be-
tween Second and First Creeks; Chapin's and Reilly's
l)rigades ov(t Temperance Hill to near Bell's house, and
the brigades of Hoskins and Casement to the river. The
f
■
r
BESIEGING KXOXVILLE. 499
interior line was held by regiments of loyal Tennesseeans
recently recruited. The positions on the south (or east)
side of the river were occupied by Cameron's brigade of
Hascall's division and Shackelford's cavalry (dismounted),
Reilly's brigade in reserve, — two sections of Wilder's bat-
tery and Konkle's battery of four three-inch rifle guns.
The batteries of the enemy's front before the city were
Romer's four three-inch rifles at the university, Benjamin's
four twenty-pound Parrotts and Beecher's six twelve-
pound Napoleons (at the fort), Gittings's four ten-pound
Parrotts, Fifteenth Indiana Battery of six rifle guns
(three-inch), James's (Indiana) Battery of six rifle guns,
Henshaw's battery of two (James's) rifle guns and four
six-pounders, Shields's battery of six twelve-pound Napo-
leons, and one section of Wilder's three-inch rifle guns,
extending the line from the fort to the river on the
north.
In his official account, General Burnside reported
"about twelve thousand effective men, exclusive of the
recruits and loyal Tennesseeans." He had fifty-one guns
of position, including eight on the southeast side.
Fort Loudon, afterwards called for the gallant Sanders,
who fell defending it, was a bastion earthwork, built upon
an irregular quadrilateral. The sides were, south front,
one hundred and fourteen yards ; west front, ninety-five
yards ; north front, one hundred and twenty-five yards ;
east front, eighty-five yards. The eastern front was open,
intended to be closed by a stockade. The south front was
about half finished; the western front finished, except
cutting the embrasures, and the north front nearly fin-
ished. The bastion attacked was tjie only one that was
finished. The ditch was twelve feet wide, and generally
seven to eight feet deep. From the fort the ground sloped
in a heavy grade, from which the trees had been cut and
used as abatis, and wire net-work was stretched between
jtfae stumps.
500 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Geueral Burnside reported, —
** Many citizens and persons who had been driven in by the
enemy vohmteereil to work on the trenches and did good service,
while those who were not inclined from disloyalty to volunteer
were presse<l into service. The negroes were particularly efficient
in their laboi*s during the siege. On the 20th of November our
line was in such condition as to inspire the entire command with
confidence.''
General Poe reported, —
^^The citizens of the town and all contrabands within reach
were x>ressed into service and relieved the almost exhausted sol-
diei'S, who had no rest for more than a hundred hours. Many of
the citizens were Confederates and worked with a very poor grace,
which blistered hands did not tend to improve."
On the 22d, General McLaws thought his advance near
enough the works to warrant assault. He was ordered
to it with assaulting columns supported by the division.
General Jenkins was also ordered up, and General
Wheeler was ordered to push his troops and his horse
artillery forward as McLaws's attack opened, so that the
entire line would engage and hold to steady work till all
the works were carried. After consulting his officers,
General McLaws reported that they preferred to have
daylight for their work. On the 23d reports came of a
large force of the enemy at Kingston advancing. Gen-
eral Wheeler was sent with his main force of cavalry to
look after them. He engaged the enemy on the 24th,
and after a skirmish withdrew\ Soon afterwards, re-
ceiving orders from General Bragg to join him, leaving
his cavalry under command of Major-General Martin, he
rode to find his commander. General Martin brought
the brigades back and resumed position on our left. Colo-
nel Hart, who was left at Kingston with his brigade,
reported that there were but three regiments of cavalry
and a field battery, that engaged General Wheeler on the
24th.
BESIEGING KXOXVILLE. 501
On the night of the 24th the enemy made a sortie
against a point of General Wofford's line which broke
through, but was speedily driven back with a loss of some
prisoners and a number of killed and wounded. General
Wofford's loss was five wounded, two mortally.
Our cavalry, except a brigade left at Kingston, resumed
its position on the left of our line on the 26th. On the
23d a telegram came from General Bragg to say that the
enemy had moved out and attacked his troops at Chatta-
nooga. Later in the day he announced the enemy still in
front of him, but not engaging his forces.
On the 25tli I had a telegram from General Bushrod
R. Johnson at Loudon, who was marching with two bri-
gades to reinforce us, saying that the enemy was throwing
his cavalry forward towards Charleston. This, in connec-
tion with the advance of the enemy towards General
Bragg, reported by his despatch of the 23d, I took to be
an effort to prevent reinforcements coming to us, or to cut
in and delay their march.
That night General Leadbetter, chief engineer of Gen-
eral Bragg's army, reported at head-quarters with orders
from General Bragg that we should attack at Knoxville,
and very promptly. I asked him to make the reconnois-
sance and designate the assailable points. At the same time
he was asked to consider that the troops from Virginia were
on the march and would join us in eight or ten days, when
our investment could be made complete ; that the enemy
w^as then on half rations, and would be obliged to surren-
der in two weeks ; also whether w^e should assault fortifi-
cations and have the chance of repulse, rather than wait
for a surrender. From his first reconnoissance he pro-
nounced Fort Sanders the assailable point, but, after riding
around the lines with General Jenkins and General Alex-
ander, he pronounced in favor of assault from our left at
Mabry's Hill. On the 27th, after more thorough recon-
noissance in company with my officers, he came back to
502 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
his conclusion in favor of assault at Fort Sanders. I
agreed with him that the field at Mabry's Hill was too wide,
and the march under fire too long, to warrant attack at
that point. He admitted that the true policy was to wait
and reduce the place by complete investment, but claimed
that the crisis was on, the time imperative, and that the
assault must be tried.
Meanwhile, rumors reached us, through the telegraph
operator, of a battle at Chattanooga, but nothing official,
though outside indications were corroborative. In the
afternoon Colonel Giltner, of the command from Virginia,
reported with his cavalry, and next day (28th) General
W. E. Jones, of that command, reported with his cavalry.
The brigades from Chattanooga under General B. R.
Johnson were at hand, but not yet up. The artillery and
infantry coming from Virginia were five or six days*
march from us ; but General Leadbetter was impatient.
General McLaws was ordered to double his force of
sharp-shooters and their reserve, advance during the
night and occupy the line of the enemy's pickets, and
arrange for assault. The artillery was to open on the
fort as soon as the weather cleared the view. Ailer ten
minutes' practice the assaulting column was to march, but
the practice was to hold until the near approach of the
storming party to the Fort. The assault was to be made
by three of McLaws's brigades, his fourth, advancing on
his right, to carry the line of works in its front as soon
as the fort was taken. Three brigades of Jenkins's divi-
sion were to follow in echelon on the left of McLaws's
column, G. T. Anderson's, of his right, leading at two
hundred yards' interval from McLaws's, Anderson to as-
sault the line in his front, and upon entering to wheel to
his left and sweep up that line, followed by Jenkins's
and Benning's brigades; but, in case of delay in Mc-
Laws's assault, Anderson was to wheel to his right and
take the fort through its rear opening, leaving the bri-
BESIEGING KXOXVILLE. 503
gades of Jenkins and Banning to follow the other move
to their left.
The ditch and parapets about the fort were objects of
careful observation from the moment of placing our lines,
and opinions coincided with those of reconnoitring officers
that the former could be passed without ladders. General
Alexander and I made frequent examinations of them
within four hundred yards.
After careful conference, General McLaws ordered, —
^^ First. Wofford's Georgia and Humphreys's Mississippi bri-
gades to make the aasault, the first on the left, the second on the
right, this latter followed closely by three regiments of Bryan's
brigade ; the Sixteenth Georgia Regiment to lead the fii-st and
the Thirteenth Mississippi the second asstiultiug cohimn.
^^ Second. The brigades to be formed for the attack in columns
of regiments.
'* Third. The assault to be made with fixed bayonets, and with-
out firing a gim.
^^ Fourth. Should be made against the northwest angle of Fort
Loudon or Sanders.
^^ Fifth. The men should be urged to the work with a determi-
nation to succeed, and should rush to it without hallooing.
^'Si-xth. The sharp-shooters to keep up a continuous fire into
the embrasures of the enemy's works and along the fort, so as to
prevent the use of the cannon, and distract, if not prevent, the
fire of all arms."
General B. R. Johnson was in time to follow the main
attack by General McLaws with his own and Gracie's
brigades (two thousand six hundred and twenty-five ef-
fectives).
The order was given for the 28th, but the weather be-
came so heavy and murky as to hide the fort from view
of our artillery, so operations were put off until the 29th.
On the 28th reports were brought of an advance of
Union troops from the direction of Cumberland Gap.
The cavalry under General W. E. Jones was sent to arrest
their march pending operations ordered for the 29th, and
504 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
he was authorized to call the artillery and infantry march-
ing from Virginia to his assistance if the force proved
formidable.
After arranging his command, General McLaws wrote
me as follows :
'^Head-quarters Division,
'* November 28, 1863.
'^ General, — It seems to he a conceded fact that there has been
a serious engagement between Greneral Bragg' s forces and those
of the enemy ; with what result is not known so far as I have
heard. General Bragg may have maintained his position, may
have repulsed the enemy, or may have been driven back. If the
enemy has been beaten at Chattanooga, do we not gain by delay
at this point! If we luive been defeated at Chattanooga, do we
not risk our entire force by an assault here! If we have been
defeated at Chattanooga, our communications must be made with
Virginia. We cannot combine again with General Bragg, even
if we should be successful in our assiiult on Knoxville. If we
should be defeated or unsuccessful here, and at the same time
General Bragg should have been forced to retire, would we be in
condition to force our way to the army in Virginia! I present
these considerations, and with the force they have on my mind I
beg leave to say that I think we had better delay the assault until
we hear the result of the battle of Chattanooga. The enemy may
have cut our communication to prevent this army reinforcing
General Bragg, as well as for the opposite reason, — viz., to pre-
vent General Bragg from reinforcing us, and the attack at Chat-
tanooga favors the first proposition.*
'^Very respectfully,
'^L. MoLaws,
^ ' Major- GeneiHiH. ' '
In reply I wrote, —
^'Head-quarters, November 28, 1863.
** Major-General McLaws:
** General, — Your letter is received. I am not at all confi-
dent that General Bragg has had a serious battle at Chattanooga^
but there is a report that he has, and that he has fallen back to
Tunnel Hill. Under this report I am entirely convinced that our
only safety is in making the assault upon the enemy's position
to-morrow at daylight, and it is the more important that I should
* Rebellion Record, vol. xxxi. part i. p. 491.
BESIEGING KNOXVILLE. 505
have the entire support and co-operation of the officers in this
connection ; and I do hope and trust that I may have your entire
support and all the force you may be possessed of in the execu-
tion of my views. It is a great mistake to suppose that there is
any safety for us in going to Virginia if General Bragg has been
defeated, for we leave him at the mercy of his victors, and with
his army destroyed our own had better be, for we will be not
only destroyed, but disgraced. There is neither safety nor honor
in any other course than the one I have chosen and ordered.
^^ Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
** James Longstbeet,
' * Lieutenant- General Commanding,
^'P.S. — The assault must be made at the time appointed, and
must be made with a determination which will insure success."
After writing the letter it occurred to me to show it to
General Leadbetter, who was stopping at our head-quar-
ters, when he suggested the postscript which was added.
The assault was made by the brigades of Generals Wof-
ford, Humphreys, and Bryan at the appointed time and
in admirable style. The orders were, that not a musket
should be discharged except by the sharp-shooters, who
should be vigilant and pick off every head that might
appear above the parapets until the fort was carried. The
troops marched steadily and formed regularly along the
outside of the works around the ditch. J rode after them
with the brigades under General B. R. Johnson until
within five hundred yards of the fort, whence we could see
our advance through the gray of the morning. A few
men were coming back wounded. Major Goggin, of Gen-
eral McLaws's staff, who had been at the fort, rode back,
met me, and reported that it would be useless for us to go
on ; that the enemy had so surrounded the fort with net-
work of wire that it was impossible for the men to get in
without axes, and that there was not an axe in the com-
mand. Without a second thought I ordered the recall,
and ordered General Johnson to march his brigades back
to their camps. He begged to be allowed to go on, but,
500 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
giving full faith to the report, I forbade him, I had
known Major Goggin many years. He was a class-
mate at West Point, and had served with us in the field
in practical experience, so that I had confidence in his
judgment.
liecall was promptly sent General Jenkins and his ad-
vance brigade under General Anderson, but the latter,
seeing the delay at the fort, changed his direction outside
the enemy'« works and marched along their front to the
ditch, and was there some little time before he received
the order. In his march and countermarch in front of
the encmv's line he lost four killed and thirtv-three
wounded.
As a diversion in favor of the assaulting columns, our
troops on the south side were ordered to a simultaneous
attack, and to get in on that side if the opportunity oc-
curred. They were reinforced by Russell's brigade of
Morgan's division of cavalry, and Harrison's brigade of
Armstrong's division, dismounted. General Morgan com-
manding. This demonstration had the effect anticipated
in detaining troops to hoKl on that side that were intended
as reserve for the fort.
Just after the troops were ordered back it occurred to
me that there must be some misbike about the wire net-
work, for some of our men had been seen mounting and
passing over the parapets, but it was too late to reorganize
and renew the attack, and I conceived that some of the
regimental pioneers should have been at hand prepared
to cut the wires, but all had been armed to help swell our
ranks.
Shice reading the accounts of General Poe, the engineer
in charge of the works, I am convinced that the wires
were far from being the serious obstacle reix)rt€d, and that
we could have gone in without the use of axes; and from
otlier accounts it appears that most of tlie troops had re-
tired from the fort, leaving about a hundred and fifty
BESIEGING KNOXVILLE. 507
infantry with Benjamin's battery. Our muskets from
the outside of the parapet could have kept the infantry
down, and the artillery practice, except the few hand-
grenades, prepared at the time by the artillerists. John-
son's brigades would have been at the ditcli with me in
ten minutes, when we would have passed over the works.
Hence it seems conclusive that the failure was due to the
order of recall. It is not a part of my nature to listen to
reports that always come when stunning blows are felt,
but hope in the conduct of the war was lost, and the tone
and spirit for battle were stolen away by the efforts of
those in authority to damage, if not prevent, the success
of work ordered in their own vital interest : a poor excuse
for want of golden equipoise in one who presumes to hold
the lives of his soldiers, but better than to look for ways
to shift the responsibility of a weakening spirit that
creeps upon us unawares.
After the repulse. General Burnside was so considerate
as to offer a " flag of truce" for time to remove our killed
and wounded about his lines.
About half an hour after the repulse, and while yet on
the slope leading up to the fort. Major Branch, of Major-
General Ransom's staff, came with a telegram from the
President informing me that General Bragg had been
forced back by superior numbers, and ordering me to
proceed to co-operate with his army.
Orders were issued at once for our trains to move south,
and preparations were begun for a move of the troops
after nightfall. In the afternoon word came from General
Wheeler, authorized by General Bragg, that I should join
him, if practicable, at Ringgold. But our first step was
to be relieved of the threatening from the direction of
Cumberland Grap. General Martin was sent to reinforce
General Jones, with orders to hurry his operations, and
return in time to cover anticipated movements. His bri-
gades which had done their clever work on the south side
508 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX,
were withdrawn to go with him. When he came up with
Jones, the latter was severely engaged, but it was then
night, too late for other operations.
Their arrangements were made during the night and
battle renewed at early dawn and severely contested, the
Union troops giving from }x)int to point until they crossed
the ford at Walker's and were beyond further threatening.
They lost some fifty killed and wounded and one company
captured at Colonel Graham's camp.
Generals Martin and Jones joined us in good season
after their affair of the morning. Their loss was slight,
but not detailed in separate reports.
Confederate loss in the assault 822
Union loss in the assault 673
Confederate losses during the campaign 1296
Union losses during the campaign 1481
%
CHAPTER XXXV.
CUT OFF FROM EAST AND WEST.
Impracticability of Joining General Bragg— Wintering in East Tennes-
see— General Longstreet given Discretionary Autliority over tlie De-
partment by President Davis — Short Rations— Minor Movements of
Hide-and-Seek in the Mountains — Longstreet^s Position was of Stra-
tegic Importance— That Fact fully appreciated by President Lincoln,
Secretary Stanton, and Generals Halleck and Grant— '* Drive Long-
street out of East Tennessee and keep him out" — Generals Robertson
and McLaws — The Cliarges against them and Action taken — Honor-
able Mention for Courage and Endurance — The Army tinally fares
sumptuously on the Fat Lands of the French Broad.
As General Wheeler's note indicated doubt of the feasi-
bility of the move towards General Bragg, it occurred to
me that our better course was to hold our lines about
Knoxville, and in that way cause General Grant to send
to its relief, and thus so reduce his force as to stop, for a
time, pursuit of General Bragg.
Under this impression, I ordered our trains back, and
continued to hold our lines. The superior officers were
called together and advised of affairs, and asked for sug-
gestions. The impression seemed to be that it would not
be prudent to undertake to join General Bragg. At the
same time reports came from him to inform me that he
had retired as far as Dalton, and that I must depend upon
my own resources.
We were cut off from communication with the army at
Dalton, except by an impracticable mountain route, and
the railway to the north was broken* up by the removal
of bridges and rails for a distance of a hundred miles
and more-
Deciding to remain at Knoxville, I called on General
Ransom to join us with his main force, to aid in reinvest-
ing it, or to hold it while we could march against a suc-
r)lO F1U>M MAXASSAS TO APrOMATTOX.
coring force if the nuinbers sliould warrant. On the Ist
of December, Colonel Giltner, commanding one of Gen-
eral Ransom's cavalry brigades, reported that he had
orders to join (Jeneral Ransom with his brigade. On the
same day a courier going from General Grant to General
Burnside was captured, bearing an autograph letter for
the latter, stating that three columns were advancing for
his relief, — one by the south side under General Sherman,
one by Decherd under General Elliott, the third by Cum-
berland Gap under General Foster.
When General Leadbetter left us on the 29th of Novem-
ber, he wiis aske<l-to look after affairs at Loudon, and to
order General Vaughn to destroy such property as he
could not haul off, and retire through the mountains to
General Bragg's army. Finding that General Vaughn
had not been moved, he was ordered on the 1st of Decem-
ber to cross the river to our side with everything that he
could move, and to be ready to destroy projxjrty that he
must leave, and march to join us as soon as the pressure
from General Sherman's force became serious. At the
same time an order came from General Bragg that his
cavalry be ordere<l ba(»k to his army. As I had relieved
the pressure against him in his critical <Mnergency, and
affairs were getting a little compliciited about my position,
I felt warranted in retainin*:: the cavalry for the time.
Reports coming at the same time of reinforcements
for the enemy at Kingston, pressing towards General
Vaughn at Loudon, he was ordered to join us. As he
had no horses for the battery, he tumbled it from the
bridge into the middle of the Tennessee River, burned
the bridge, and marched.
Under the circumstances there seemed but one move left
for us, — to march around Knoxville to the north side, up
the Holston, and try to find the column reported to be
marching down from Cumberland Gap, the mountain
ranges and valleys of that part of the State offering beau-
CUT OFF FROM EAST AND WEST. 511
tiful fields for the maiueuvre of small armies. The order
was issued December 2. Trains were put in motion on the
3d, and ordered up the railroad route under escort of Law's
and Robertson's brigades and one of Alexander's bat-
teries. On the night of the 4th the troops were marched
from the southwest to the north side of the city, and took
up the march along the west bank of the Holston. Gen-
eral Martin, with his own and General W. E. Jones's
cavalry, was left to guard the rear of our march and pick
up weak men or stragglers. He was ordered to cross part
of his cavalry to the east bank at Strawberry Plains and
march up on that side, and General W. E. Jones to follow
on our rear with his and the balance of Martin's corps.
As we were not disturbed, we reached Blain's Cross-roads
on the afternoon of the 5th, where we met General Ran-
som with his infantry and the balance of his artillery.
On the 6th we marched to Rutledge, halting two days
to get food and look for the succoring column by Cum-
berland Gap, which failed to appear. However, it was
time for us to be looking for better fields of food for men
and animals, who had not had comfortable rations for
weeks. It seemed, too, that General Bragg's call for his
cavalry could not be longer left in abeyance. To get
aw^ay from convenient march of the enemy we went up
the river as far as Rogersville, where we might hope to
forage under reduced cavalry force. We marched on the
8th, ordering our cavalry, except Giltner's brigade, across
the Holston near Bean's Station, General Ransom's com-
mand to cover our march, General Bragg's cavalry to go
by an eastern route through the mountains to Georgia.
We halted at Rogersville on the 9th, where we were en-
couraged to hope for full rations for a few days, at least ;
but to be sure of accumulating a few days' extra supply
(the mills being only able to grind a full day's rations
for us), every man and animal was put on short rations
until we could get as much as three days' supply on hand.
r}l2 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
On the 7th of Decenil)er the Union army, under Major-
General John (i, Parke, Ux)k the iieltl along the rear of
our march, and reached Rutledge on the Uth, the enemy's
cavahy advancing as far as Bean's Station. The object
was supposed to be the securing of the forage and subsist-
(MKT stores of the country ; but of these movements we
were not fully advised until the 11th. On the 10th of
December, General Morgan's brigade of Ciivalry was at-
tacked at Russell ville while engaged in foraging, but got
force enough, and in time, to drive the enemy away.
On the lOth a telegram from the President gave nie
discretionary authority over the movements of the troops
of the department, and I ordered the recall of General
Martin, and put his command between us and the enemy.
On the r2th we had information that General Sherman
had taken up his march for return to General Grant's
army with the gre^iter i)art of his troops. At the same
time we had information of the force that had followed
our march as far as Rutledge and Blain's Cross-roads,
under (jeneral Parke, who had posted a large part of the
force of artillery, cavalry, and infantry at Bean's Station,
a ])oint between the Clinch Mountain and the Holston
River. The mountain there is very rugged, and wtis re-
ix)rte(l to be inaccessible, excej)t at very rough passes.
The valley between it and the river is about two miles
wide, at some places less.
I thought to cut off the advance force at Bean's Sta-
tion by putting our main cavalry force east of the river,
the other part west of the mountain (except Giltner's), so
as to close the mountain pass on the west, and bar the
enemy's retreat by my cavalry in his rear, — which was to
cross the Holston l>ehind him, — then by marching the
main column down the valley to capture this advance part
of the command. ^ly column, though complaining a little
of short rations and very muddy roads, made its march
in good season. So also did Jones on the west of the
CUT OFF FROM EAST AXD WEST. 513
mountain, and Martin on the other side of the Holston ;
but the latter encountered a brigade at May's Ford, which
delayed him and gave time for the enemy to change to a
position some four miles to his rear.
As we approached the position in front of the Gap,
Giltner's cavalry in advance, General B. R. Johnson met
and engaged the enemy in a severe fight, but forced him
back steadily. As we were looking for large capture
more than fight, delay was unfortunate. I called Ker-
shaw's brigade up to force contention till we could close
the west end of the Gap. The movements were nicely
executed by Johnson and Kershaw, but General Martin
had not succeeded in gaining his position, so the rear
was not closed, and the enemy retired. At night I
thought the army was in position to get the benefit of
the small force cut off at the Grap, as some reward for
our very hard work. We received reports from General
Jones, west of the mountain, that he was in position at
his end of the Gap, and had captured several wagon-loads
of good things. As his orders included the capture of the
train, he had failed of fiiU comprehension of them, and
after nightfall had withdrawn to comfortable watering-
places to enjoy his large catch of sugar and coffee, and
other things seldom seen in Confederate camps in those
days. Thus the troops at the Gap got out during the
night, some running over the huge rocks and heavy wood
tangles along the crest, by torch-light, to their comrades,
some going west by easier ways. So when I sent up in
the morning, looking for their doleful surrender, my men
found only empty camp-kettles, mess-pans, tents, and
a few abandoned guns, and twelve prisoners, while the
Yankees were, no doubt, sitting around their camp-fires
enjoying the joke with the comrades they had re-
joined.
During our march and wait at Eogersville, General
Foster passed down to Knoxville by a more southern
88
ol I KROM MANASSAS T<» APPOMATTOX.
nnxW an<l n*lic*vc(l ( Joneral Burnside of command of the
(lejmrtnient on the Tith.
(Teiicral J(»nkins was ordered to follow down the vallev
to the new position of the enemy. His brigades under
(ionerals Law and Robertson had been detached guarding
trains. General Law, conunanding them, had l)een or-
d(*red to reiK)rt to the division commander on the ISth, but
at night of the 14th he was eight miles behind. Orders
w(»re sent him to join the division at the earliest practicable
moment on the ISth. He reix)rted to the division com-
mander between two and three o'clock in the afternoon.
If he started at the hour he should have marched, six
A.M. at the latest, he was about eight hours making as
manv miles.
Meanwhile, the enemy had been reinforced by a con-
siderabh* l)ody of infantry, and later it appeared that lie
was advancing to offer battle. (Jeueral McLaws was or-
dered to reinforce our front by a brigade. He sent word
that his men had not vet received their bread rations.
He sent Kershaw's brigade, however, that had captured
rations the day before, but then it was night, and the
appearance of General Martin's cavalry on or near the
enemy's flank c«iused ii change of his plans. During the
night he retreated, and we occupied his trenches. I could
have pre(*ipitated an affair of some moment, both at this
point and at Bean's Station Gap, but my purix)se was,
when I fought, to fight for all that was on the field. The
time was then for full and glorious victory ; a fruitless
one we did not want.
The enemv retired to Blain's Cross-roads, where Gen-
eral Foster, after reinforcing by the Fourth Corps, de-
cided to accept battle. He reported his force as twenty-
six thousand, and credited the Confederates with equal
numbers, but twenty thousand would have been an over-
estimate for us. He assigned the true cause of our fiiilure
to follow up and find him :
CUT OFF FROM KAST AND WEST. 515
^* General Longstreet, however, did not attack, in consequence,
probably, of the very Inclement weather, which then set in with
such severity as to paralyze for a time the efforts of both armies.''
And now the weather grew very heavy, and the roads,
already bad, became soft and impracticable for trains and
artillery. The men were brave, steady, patient. Occa-
sionally they called pretty loudly for parched corn^ but
always in a bright, merry mood. There was never a time
when we did not have enough of corn, and plenty of wood
with which to keep us warm and parch our corn. At this
distance it seems almost incredible that we got along as we
did, but all were then so healthy and strong that we did
not feel severely our really great hardships. Our serious
trouble wa^s in the matter of clothing and shoes. As
winter had broken upon us in good earnest, it seemed
necessary for us to give up the game of war for the time,
seek some good place for shelter, and repair railroads and
bridges, to open our way back towards Richmond.
General Bragg had been relieved from command of the
army at Dalton by Lieutenant-General W. J. Hardee,
who declined, however, the part of permanent commander,
to which, after a time. General Joseph E. Johnston waa
lussigned.
On his return from Knoxville, General Sherman pro-
posed to General Grant to strike at General Hardee and
gain Rome and the line of the Oostenaula. He wrote, —
*^ Of course we must fight if Hardee gives us battle, but he will
not. Longstreet is off and cannot do harm for a month. Lee, in
Virginia, is occupied, and Hardee is alone."
But General Halleck was much concerned about the
Confederate army in East Tennessee, the only strategic
field then held by Southern troops. It was inconveniently
near Kentucky and the Ohio River, and President Lin-
coln and his War Secretary were as anxious as Halleck
51 f J FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
on account of its politico-stnitegic bearing. General
Halleck impressed his views upon General Grant, and
despatclied General Foster that it was of first importance
to " (h-ive Longstreet out of East Tennessee and keep him
out." General Grant ordered, " Drive Longstreet to the
farthc^st point east that you can." And he reported to the
authorities, —
^* If Longstreet is not driven out of the valley entirely and the
road dci^troyed ea^t of Abingdou, I do not think it unlikely that
the hist greut battk"! of the war will be fought in East Tennessee.
Reports of deserters and citizens show the army of Bragg to be
too much demonilize<l and redncxnl by desertions to do anything
this winter. I will get everything in order here in a few days
and go to Niishville and Ijouisville, and, if tliei*e is still a chance
of doing anything against Longsti*eet, to the scene of operations
there. I am deeply interested in moving the enemy beyond Salt-
ville this winter, so as to 1)0 able to select my own cami)aign in
the spring, instead of having the enemy dictate it to me."
Referring to his orders, General Foster reported his
phiu to intrench a line of infantry along Bull's Gtep and
Mulberry Gap, and have his cavah-y ready for the ride
against Saltville, but the Confederates turned u]X)n him,
and lie des])atched General Grant on the 11th, —
^^Longstw^et has taken the offensive against General Parke,
who has fallen liaek to Blain's Cross- roads, where Granger is
now concentrating his corps. I intend to fight them if Longstreet
comes."
The failure to follow has l)een explained.
The summing up of the plans laid for General Hardee
and Saltville is brief. Hardee was not disturbed. The
ride towards Saltville, made about the last of the month,
was followed by General W. E. Jones and came to grief,
as will be elsewhere explained.
Upon relinquishing command of his army, General
BraiTiT was called to Richmond as commander-in-chief
near the President.
CUT OFF FROM EAST AND WEST. 517
Before General Hood was so seriously hurt at the battle
of Chickamauga, he made repeated complaints of want
of conduct on the part of Brigadier-General J. B. Rob-
ertson. After the fiasco in Lookout Valley on the night
of the 28th of October, I reported to General Bragg of
the representations made by General Hood, and of want
of conduct on tlie part of General Eobertson in that night
attack, when General Bragg ordered me to ask for a
board of officers to examine into the merits of the case.
The board was ordered, and General Eobertson was re-
lieved from duty by orders from General Bragg's head-
quarters, " while the proceedings and actions of the exam-
ining board in his case were pending."
On the 8th, without notice to my head-quarters. Gen-
eral Bragg ordered, " Brigadier-General Robertson will re-
join his command until the board can renew its session." *
On the 18th of December the division commander pre-
ferred "charges and specifications" against Brigadier-
General Robertson, in which he accused him of calling
the commanders of his Texas regiments to him and saying
there were but
** Three days' rations on hand, and God knows where more are
to come from ; that he had no confidence in the campaign ; that
whether we whipped the enemy in the immediate battle or not, we
would be compelled to retreat, the enemy being believed by citi-
zens and others to be moving around us, and that we were in dan-
ger of losing a considerable part of our army ; that our men were in
no condition for campaigning ; that General Longstreet had prom-
ised shoes, but how could they be furnished 1 that we only had com-
munication with Richmond, and could only get a mail from there
in three weeks ; that he was opposed to the movement ; would
require written orders, and would obey under protest"
General Robertson .was ordered to Bristol to await the
action of the Richmond authorities, who were asked for a
court-martial to try the case.
* KebeUion Record,
51S FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Oil the 17lh the following orders eoiiceniiug Genei*al
McLiiws were issueil :
"Head-quarters xear Bean's Station,
*' December 17, 1863.
**SPEinAL ORDER^iS No. 27.
" Miijor-Genenil L. Mcljiiws is relieved from further duty with
this army, and will priH^eetl to Au^rusta, Greoi^ia, from which place
lu» will rejwrt by letter to the adjutant- and iuspeetor-genenil.
He will turn over the command of the division to the senior brig-
adier pn*sent.
'*By command of Lieutenaut-Genend Longstreet.
" G. MoxLEY Sorrel,
'* IjientrHant'CitioHe! and Ammtant Adjutant- General,
*' Major-General MuLaws,
*' Confetfentte States Annif/-
On the same ilav he wrote, —
" Camp ox Bean's Station Gap Road,
•December 17. 1863.
*' Lieutenant-Colonel Sorrel.
*' AmMant Adjutant-Genrral :
** I have the honor to ackuowleilge the receipt of Si>ecial Or-
ders No. 27, from your head-quartei^s. of this ilate. relieving nie
from further duty with this army. If there is no impropriety in
making inquiry, and I cjinnot inuiginc thcro is, 1 i"es|XH*t fully re-
quest to be informed of the particular ivast)n for the oi-der.
'* Very resiHH't fully,
''L. MuLaws,
* ' Major- (ivnvraL ' '
In reply the following was sent :
^^Head-quarters np:ar Bean's Station.
'*D(H»eml>er 17, 1863.
''Major-General McLaws,
** Confederate States Army:
** General, — I have the honor to jicknowled^ the receipt of
your note of to-day, Jtsking for the particular re^uson for the issue
of the order relieving you from duty witli this army. In roply I
am directed to say that througliout the campaign on wliich we ait)
engaged you liave exhibited a want of <'onfi(hMiee in theelTorts
and plans which th<' connnanding genend has thought i)ro}>er to
CUT OFF FROM EAST AND WEST. 519
adoi)t, and lie is apprehensive that this feeling will extend moro
or less to the troops under your command. Under these circum-
stances the commanding general has felt that the interest of the
public service would be advanced by your separation from him,
and as he could not himself leav^e, he decided upon the issue of
the order which you have received.
'*! have the honor to be, general, with great respect,
*'G. MoxLEY Sorrel,
^' Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant' General,^ ^
On the 19tli, General Law handed in his resigna-
tion at head-quarters, and asked leave of absence on it.
This was cheerfully granted. Then he asked the privi-
lege of taking the resignation with him to the adjutant-
general at Richmond. This was a very unusual request,
but the favor he was doing the service gave him some
claim to unusual consideration, and his request was
granted.
The Law disaffection was having effect, or seemed to
be, among some of the officers, but most of them and all
of the soldiers were true and brave, even through all of
the hardships of the severest winter of the four years of
war. Marching and fighting had been almost daily occu-
pation from the middle of January, 1863, when we left
Fredericksburg to move down to Suffolk, Virginia, until
the 16th of December, when we found bleak winter again
breaking upon us, away from our friends, and dependent
upon our own efforts for food and clothing. It is difficult
for a soldier to find words that can express his high ap-
preciation of conduct in officers and men who endured so
bravely the severe trials they were called to encounter.
Orders were given to cross the Holston River and
march for the railroad, only a few miles away. Before
quitting the fields of our arduous labors mention should
be made of General Bushrod R. Johnson's clever march
of sixteen miles, through deep mud, to Bean's Station on
the 13th, when he and Greneral Kershaw attacked and
pushed the enemy back from his front at the Gap before
520 FR03I MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
lie could get out of it. Honorable mention is also due
General Jenkins for his equally clever pursuit of the
enemy at Lenoir's Station ; Brigadier-General Humphreys
and Bryan for their conduct at the storming assault;
Colonel Ruff, who led Wofford's brigade, and died in the
ditch ; Colonel McElroy, of the Thirteenth Mississippi
Regiment, and Colonel Thomas, of the Sixteenth Georgia,
who also died in the ditch ; Lieutenant Cumming, adju-
tant of the Sixteenth Georgia Regiment, who overcame
all obstacles, crowned the parapet with ten or a dozen
men, and, entering the fort through one of the embra-
sures, was taken })risoner ; and Colonel Fiser, of the
Eighteenth Mississip})i, who lost an arm while on the
para}>et. Not the leiwt of the gallant acts of the cam-
paign was the da.sh of Captain Winthrop, who led our
once halting lines over the rail defences at Knoxville.
The transfer of the army to the east bank of the river
was executed by diligent work and the use of such flat-
boats and other means of crossing as we could collect and
construct. We were over by the 20th, and before Christ-
mas were in our camps along the railroad, near Morris-
town. Blankets and clothes were very scarce, shoes more
so, but all knew how to enjoy the beautiful country in
which we found ourselves. The French Broad River and
the Holston are confluent at Knoxville. The country be-
tween and beyond them contains as fine farming lands and
has as delightful a climate as ciin be found. Stock and
grain were on all farms. Wheat and oats had been hidden
away by our Union friends, but the fields were full of
maize, still standing. The country alx)ut the French
Broad had hardly been touched by the hands of foragers.
Our wagons immediately on entering the fields were loaded
to overflowing. Pumpkins were on the ground in places
like apples under a tree. Cattle, sheep, and swine, poultry,
vegetables, maple-sugar, honey, were all abundant for im-
mediate wants of the troops.
CUT OFF FROM EAST AND WEST. 521
When the euemy fouud we had moved to the east
bank, his cavalry followed to that side. They were almost
as much in want of the beautiful foraging lands as we,
but we were in advance of them, and left little for theni.
With all the plenitude of provisions and many things
which seemed at the time luxuries, we were not quite
happy. Tattered blankets, garments, and shoes (the latter
going — many gone) opened ways, on all sides, for piercing
winter blasts. There were some hand-looms in the coun-
try from which we occasionally picked up a piece of cloth,
and here and there we received other comforts, some from
kind and some from unwilling hands, which nevertheless
could spare them. For shoes we were obliged to resort to
the raw hides of beef cattle as temporary protection from
the frozen ground. Then we began to find soldiers who
could tan the hides of our beeves, some who could make
shoes, some who could make shoe-pegs, some who could
make shoe-lasts, so that it came about that the hides passed
rapidly from the beeves to the feet of the soldiers in the
form of comfortable shoes. Then came the opening of the
railroad, and lo and behold ! a shipment of three thousand
shoes from General Lawton, quartermaster-general ! Thus
the most urgent needs were supplied, and the soldier's life
seemed passably pleasant, — that is, in the infantry and ar-
tillery. Our cavalry were looking at the enemy all of this
while, and the enemy was looking at them, both frequently
burning powder between their lines.
General Sturgis had been assigned to the cavalry of the
other side to relieve General Shackelford, and he seemed
to think that the dead of winter was the time for cavalry
work ; and our General Martin's orders were to have the
enemy under his eye at all hours. Both were vigilant,
active, and persevering.
About the 20th of December a raid was made by Gen-
eral Averill from West Virginia upon a sup])ly depot of
General Sam Jones's department, at Salem, >vhich was par-
522 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
dally succejssful, when General Grant, under the impres-
sion that the stores were for troops of East Tennessee,
wired General Foster, December 25, " This will give you
great advantiige," and General Foster despatched General
Parke, commanding his troo})S in the field, December 26,
" Longstreet will feel a little timid now, and will bear a
little pushing."
Under the fierce oj>erations of General Sturgis's cav-
alry against General Martin's during the latter days of
December, General W. E. Jones's cavalry was on guard
for my right and rear towards Cumberland Gap. While
Sturgis busied himself against our front and left, a
raiding party rode from Cumberland Gap against the
outposts of our far-off right, under Colonel Pridemore.
As W. E. Jones was too far to 8upj)ort Martin's cavalry,
he was called to closer threatenings against Cumberland
Gap, that he might thus draw some of Sturgis's cavalry
from our front to strengthen the forces at the Gap. Uik)U
receipt of orders. General Jones crossed Clinch River in
time to find the warm trail of the raiders who were fol-
lowing Pridemore. He sent around to advise him of his
ride in pursuit of his pursuers, and ordered Pridemore,
upon hearing his guns, to turn and join in the attack upon
them.
The very cold season and severe march through the
mountain fastnesses stretched Jones's line so that he was
in poor condition for immediate attack when he found the
enemy's camp at daylight on the 3d of January ; but he
found a surprise : not even a picket guard out in their
rear. He dashed in with his leading forces and got the
enemy's battery, but the enemy quickly rallied and made
battle, which recovered the artillery, and got into strong
position about some farm-houses and defended with des-
perate resolution. Finding the position too strong, Jones
thought to so engage as to make the enemy use his bat-
tery until his ammunition was exhausted, and then j^ut iij
CUT OFF FROM EAST AXD WEST. 523
all of liis forces in assault. Towards night the enemy
found himself reduced to desperate straits and tried to
secure cover of the mountains, but as quick as he got
away from the farm-houses Jones put all of his forces in,
capturing three pieces of artillery, three hundred and
eighty prisoners, and twenty-seven wagons and teams of
the Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry and Twenty-second Ohio
Light Artillery. A number of the men got away through
the mountains.
k
CHAPTER XXXVI.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD,
Longstreet ngiiin ei^nsiders licliof from Service— General Grant at
Knoxville — Shoeless Soldiers leave Bloody Trails on Frozen Road» —
A Confederate Advance— Affair at Dandridge — Fedemls retreat— Suc-
cession of Small Engagements— General Grant urges GU;neral Foster's
Army to the Oltensive — General Foster relieved— General Schofield iu
Command of Federals — General Grant's Orders— General Halleck'8
Estimate of East Tennessee as a Strategic Field— Affair of Cavalry —
Advance towards Knoxville— Longstreet's Command called back to
IX»fensive for Want of Cavalry.
During the last few days of the year 1863 the cold of
the severest winter of the war came on, and constantly
increased until the thermometer approached zero, and on
New Year's dropped below, hanging near that figure for
about two weeks. The severe season gave rest to every
one. Even the cavalry had a little quiet, but it was cold
comfort, for their orders were to keep the enemy in sight.
The season seemed an appropriate one for making an-
other effort to be relieved from service, — that service
in which the authorities would not support my plans or
labors, — for now during the lull in war they would have
ample time to assign some one to whom they could give
their confidence and aid. But this did not suit them, and
the course of affairs prejudicial to order and discipline
was continued. It was difficult under the circumstances
to find apology for remaining in service.
The President asked Congress to provide for another
general officer when he had five on his rolls, — one of
whom was not in command appropriate to his rank, — and
appointed Lieutenant-General Smith, of the Trans-Mis-
sissippi Department, of low^er rank than mine, to hold
rank aI)ove mo. A soldier's honor is his all, and of
that they would rob him and degrade him in the eyes ot
STRATEGIC IMPOKTANX'E OF THE FIELD. 525
his troops. The cause had passed beyond hope, except
from miraculous interposition. The occasion seemed to
demand enforced resignation, but that would have been
unsoldierly conduct. Dispassionate judgment suggested,
as the proper rounding of the sohlier's life, to stay and go
down with faithful comrades of long and arduous service.
On the other side of the picture affairs were bright and
encouraging. The disaffected were away, and with them
disappeared their influence. The little army was cheerful
and ready fojr any work to which it could be called.
General Grant made his visit to Knoxville about New
Year's, and remained until the 7th. He found General
Foster in the condition of the Confederates, — not properly
supplied with clothing, especially in want of shoes. So
he authorized a wait for the clothing, then in transit and
looked for in a week ; and that little delay was a great
lift for the Confederates. We were not timid, but began
to think ourselves comfortable, and were expectant of
even better condition. Our quartermaster was furnish-
ing a hundred paii^s of shoes a day of our own make,
the hand-looms of the farmers were giving help towards
clothing our men, promises from Richmond were encour-
aging, and we were prepared to enjoy rest that we had
not known for a twelvemonth. The medical inspector of
the Cis-Mississippi District came to see us, and after care-
ful inspection told us that the army was in better health
and better heart than the other armies of the district.
Before leaving General Foster, General Grant ordered
him on the receipt of the clothing to advance and drive
us " at least beyond Bull's Gap and Red Bridge." And
to prepare for that advance he ordered the Ninth and
Twenty-third Corps to Mossy Creek, the Fourth Corps to
Strawberry Plains, and the cavalry to Dandridge.
The Union army — equipped — marched on the 14th and
15th of January.
The Confederate departments were not so prompt in
ri2i\ KKOM MANASSAS TO AIMM^MATTOX.
lilliii}; our rcMjuisitions, but we had hopes. The bitUT
fvvvAv of two wei'ks had made the rough angles of mud
as firm ami sliarp as so many freshly-quarried roeks, and
the j»artially pnjtected feet of our soldiers sometimes left
blood V marks a Ion*' the roads.
General Sturgis rode in advance of the army, and oc*cu-
pied Dandridge by Elliott's, Wolford's, and Garnmrs
divisions of cavalry and Mott's brigade of infantry. The
Fourth and Twenty-third Corps followed the cavalry,
leaving the Ninth Corps to guard at Strawberry Plains.
General Martin gave us promjit notice that the march
was at Dandridge, and in force. The move was construed
as a flanking proceeding, but it was more convenient to
adopt the short march and meet it at Dandridge than to
leave our shoe factory and winter huts and take up the
tedious rearward move. The army was ordered under
arms, the cavalry was ordered concentrated in front of
General Sturgis, and the divisions of Jenkins and B. R.
Johnson and Alexander's batteries were marched to join
General Martin. McLaws's division under General
Wofford, and Ransom's under General Carr, with such
batteries as they could haul, were assigned to positions on
the Morristown (Strawberry Plains) road, to strike for-
ward or reinforce at Dandridge as plans developed. The
men without shoes were ordered to remain as camp guards,
but many preferred to march with their comrades.
I rode in advance to be assured that our cavalry had
not mistaken a strong cavalry move for one by the enemy
in force. We found General Martin on the Bull's Gap
road sharply engaged with the enemy, both sides on
strong defensive grounds and using their horse batteries,
but no infantry was in sight. General Martin was or-
dered to push on, gain the opix)sing plateau, and force
the enemy to show his infantry.
lie met the enemy in strong fight, but got the plateau,
when the enemy deployed to his rear in stronger force ;
STKATKCnC rMPOUTANCK OF THK KJKLI). 527
but liis infantry did not appear. When a.sked to take the
next hill, he thought it eouhl not be donc^ without infan-
try, but my idea was to save the infantry the trying
mareh, if possible, and to that end it was necessary to
})ush with the cavalry. He was called to send me a de-
tachment of his trooi)ers, and about six hundred came, —
IIai*rison's brigade, as I remember.
We rode away from the enemy's left, concealing our
march under traverse of an elevated woodland, while
General Martin engaged their front attention. At a se-
cluded spot, a little beyond the enemy's left, the men dis-
mounted, leaving their animals under guards, moved under
cover to good position, deployed into single line, and
marched for the second plateau. Part of the march was
over a small opening, near a farm-house. The exposure
brought us under fire of some sharp-shooters, but we
hadn't time to stop and shoot. As our line marched, a
chicken, dazed by the formidable appearance, crouched in
the grass until it w^as kicked up, when it flew and tried to
clear the line, but one of the troopers jumped up, knocked
it down with the end of his gun, stooped, picked it up,
put it in his haversack, and marched on without losing
his place or step and without looking to his right or left, as
though it was as proper and as much an every-day part of
the exercise of war as shooting at the enemy. Presently we
got up the hill, and General Martin advanced his mounts
to meet us. We lost but two men, — wounded, — an officer
and a soldier. The officer was at my side, and, hearing
the thud of the blow, I turned and asked if he w^as much
hurt. He said it was only a flesh-wound, and remained
with his command until night. From that point w^e saw
enough to tell that a formidable part of the army was be-
fore us, and orders were sent for the command to speed
their march as much as they could without severe trial.
When General Martin made his bold advance General
Sturgis thought to ride around by a considerable detour
528 FROM MANA8SAS TO APPOMATTOX.
and strike at his rear, but in his ride was surprised to en-
counter our marching columns of infantry, and still more
surprised when he saw a thousand muskets levelled and
sending whistling bullets about his men, and our batteries
preparing something worse for him. His troopers got
back fiister than they came. In trying by a rapid ride to
find position for handling his men he lost a member of his
staff, captured, and narrowly escaped himself.
It was near night when the command got up skirmish-
ers from the advance division, reinforced the cavalry, and
pushed the enemy back nearer the town.
Dandridge is on the right bank of the French Broad
River, about thirty miles from Knoxville. Its topo-
graphical features are bold and inviting of military work.
Its other striking characteristic is the interesting character
of its citizens. The Confederates — a unit in heart and
spirit — were prepared to do their share towards making
an effective battle, and our plans were so laid.
At the time ordered for his advance. General Foster
was suffering from an old wound, and General Parke be-
came commander of the troops in the field. The latter
delayed at Strawberry Plains in arranging that part of
his command, and General Sheridan, marching with the
advance, became commander, until superseded by the
corps commander, General Gordon Granger.
Our plans were laid before the army was all up. Our
skirmish line was made stronger and relieved the cavalry
of their dismounted service. A narrow unused road,
practicable for artillery, was found, that opened a way for
us to reach the enemy's rearward line of march. Shar|>-
shooters were organized and ordered forward by it, to be
followed by our infantry columns. It was thought better
to move the infantry alone, as the ringing of the iron
axles of the guns might give notice of our purpose ; the
artillery to be called as our sharp-shooters approached the
junction of the roads. The head of the turning force
STRATEGIC IMPOKTANCE OF THE FIELD. i)2\)
encountered a picket-guard, some of whom escaped with-
out firing, but speedily gave notice of our feeling towards
their rear. General Granger decided to retire, and was
in time to leave our cross-road behind him, his rear-guard
passing the point of intersection before my advance party
reached it about midnight.
The weather moderated before night, and after dark
a mild, gentle rain began to fall.
When I rode into Dandridge in the gray of the morn-
ing the ground was thawing and hardly firm enough to
bear the weight of a horse. When the cavalry came at
sunrise the last crust of ice had melted, letting the animals
down to their fetlocks in heavy limestone soil. The mud
and want of a bridge to cross the Holston made pursuit
by our heavy columns useless. The cavalry was ordered
on, and the troops at Morristown, on the Strawberry
Plains road, were ordered to try that route, but the latter
proved to be too heavy for progress with artillery.
While yet on the streets of Dandridge, giving directions
for such pursuit as we could make, a lady came out upon
the sidewalk and invited us into her parlors. When the
orders for pursuit were given, I dismounted, and with
some members of my staff walked in. After the compli-
ments of the season were passed, we were asked to be
seated, and she told us something of General Granger
during the night before. She had never heard a person
swear about another as General Granger did about me.
Some of the officers proposed to stop and make a battle,
but General Granger swore and said it " was no use to
stop and fight Longstreet. You can't whip him. It don't
make any difference whether he has one man or a hundred
thousand." Presently she brought out a flask that Gen-
eral Granger had forgotten, and thought that I should
have it. It had about two horizontal fingers left in it.
Though not left with compliments, it was accepted. Al-
though the weather had moderated, it was very wet and
84
r^iO ^Ro^^ manassas to appomattox.
nasi y, ami a.s we had taken our coffee at three o'clock, it
was ivsolvod to rail it noon and divide the spoils. Colonel
Fairfax, who knew liow to enjoy gooil things, thought the
(Kvasion ealled for a sentinieut, and offered, "Gteneral
(Jranger — may his shadow never grow leas."
The cavalry found the road and its side-ways so cut up
that their pursuit was reduced to labored walk. The pre-
vious hard service and exposure had so reduced the animals
that they were not in trim for real effective cavalry service.
They found some crippled battery forges and a little of
other j)lunder, but the enemy passed the Holston and
broke his bridges behind him. Our army returned to
their huts and winter homes.
Tart of i)ur cavalry wjis ordered to the south side of
the French Broad, and General Martin Avas ordered to
prcKs close on the enemy's rear with the balance of his
force. General Armstrong followed the line of retreat,
and by thi^ use of flat-boats passed his cavalry over the
llolston and rode to the vicinity of Knoxvillo. He
caught up with some stragglers, equipments, ammunition,
and remains of some caissons, and at last made a grand
haul of a herd of eight hundred beef cattle and thirty-
one wagons. .
Upon glutting his cavalry back to Knoxville, General
Foster crossed them over the bridge at the city below the
French IJroad to foraging grounds about Louisville, and
calle<l his Dandridge march a foraging excursion, saying
that he was building a bridge to cross to the south side
when we bore down against him. But the strategy of his
tedious march by <mr front to find a crassing point at
Dandridge and build a bridge in our presence, when he
could have crossed to the south side of the French Broad
by his bridge at Knoxville and reached those foraging
grounds unmolested, was not like Napoleon. He claimed
that he recovered two hundred of the lost herd of beef
cattle. In that our reports do not agree. It is possible
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD. 531
that his officers may have confouuded that adventure
with another. My explanation of the discrepancy — from
memory — is that another of our j>arties undertook to get
in a herd of swine, with which there was a smaller herd
of beef cattle; that all of the latter herd were recov-
ered, and the reports of the two adventures were con-
founded.
On the 14th, General Vance came down from the
mountains of North Carolina on a raid towards Sevierville.
He captured a number of wagons, but was promptly pur-
sued by the enemy, his prize recovered, and he and a
number of his staff were taken prisoners, with the loss of
a hundred or more horses and equipments. They were
not a part of my command, and failed to give us notice
of their ride. The first intimation we had of them was
of their unfortunate adventure.
On the 21st orders came from Richmond to send Corse's
brigade back to Petersburg, in Virginia. It was so or-
dered, and Hodges's brigade was ordered to us from the
department of West Virginia, in place of Corse's.
To seek some of the fruits of our advantage at Dan-
dri<lge, the roads being a little firmer, our leading division,
under General Jenkins, was ordered on the 2l8t to pre-
pare to march towards Strawberry Plains, and the Rich-
mond authorities were asked to send us a pontoon bridge,
tools of construction, and to hurry forward such shoes as
they could send.
On the 24th, as the Official Records show. General
Grant sent word to General Halleck of our return to-
wards Knoxville, that he had ordered General Foster to
give battle, if necessary, and that he would send General
Thomas with additional troops to insure that we would be
driven from the State. He also directed General Thomas
to go in person and take command, and said, " I want
Longstreet routed and pursued beyond the limits of the
State of Tennessee." And he ordered General Foster to
. !• 1^
:j PROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
])Ut hi-" rivalry uti a mid from Cuniljerland Gap to cut in
ujmn our ruar.
On the 2<>ih wo were advised of the advance of the
eneniv's cavalrv up the south side of the French Broad
to snnie nf tlio fonls ahove I):indrid<ije. General Martin
was ord«*red to cross in force Ixflow it, get in rear of the
encniv, and endeavor to put him to confusion. He
crossed with Morgan's division, and called Armstrong's
to ftjilow, hut the enemy, finding opportunity to put his
force against the division, advanced and made a severe
hattlc «»n the 'J7th, which became desperate as developed
until, in their successive gallant charges, our ranks were
broken to confusion, when the enemv made a dash and
got two of our guns and two hundred prisoners, driving
us towards the river.
General Armstrong crossed pending these operations
and received the enemv's attack on the 28th. Greneral
B. R. Johnson's infantrv division had been ordered near
Dandridge, and crossed while Armstrong's command held
the enemy. The latter was caught in battle from which
there Avas no escape but to fight it out. Johnson's in-
fantry crossed in time to march towards the enemy's rear
before he could dislodge Armstrong. I rode a little in
advance of Johnson's command. The enemy, advised
of the approach of infantry, made his final charge and
retired south towards Marysville. In his last effort one
of his most r(»c^kles.s troopers rode in upon head-quarters,
but Colonel Fairfax put spurs into his horse, dashed up
against him, had his pistol at his head, and called " sur-
render" before the man could level his gun. The trooper
was agreeably surprised to find it nowoi*se. The enemy's
move to Marysville left us in possession of the foraging
grounds.
On th(» liOth, General Grant urged General Foster's
army to the offensive, and called for the cavalry raid
through tin* Powell River Valley and Cumberland Ghip
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD. 533
towards our rear, and General Foster called on General
Thomas for a force of ten thousand infantry and working
details to repair the railroad and bridges between Knox-
ville and Chattanooga. General Thomas was willing to
respond to the call for troops, but asked timely notice so
that he could call Sherman's forces from Mississippi to re-
place those to be sent and make a co-operative move against
General Johnston at Dalton. At the same time General
Foster called for a pontoon bridge to make his crossing
of the Holston at Strawberry Plains, which was ordered.
General Sturgis could not approve the ride through
Powell River Valley, and expressed preference for a
route through the mountains of North Carolina towards
Asheville, to find our rear. General Grant had suggested
raids from both these points on the 24th of January, but
General Foster decided against the raid from Cumberland
Gap, explaining that General Jones was at Little War
Gap to intercept a column that might ride from that point.
He found, too, upon counting his effectives for the raid,
that he could only mount fifteen hundred men, and that
our guards at weak points had been doubled.
Our railroad was in working order on the 26th of Janu-
ary, and the part of the pontoon bridge ordered for us
was on the road. General Jenkins was ordered with the
leading division down towards Strawberry Plains to col-
lect such material as he could, and be prepared to throw the
bridge across the Holston as soon as it was up and ready for
us. Notice was given General A. E. Jackson of indica-
tions of raids; to Captain Osborn, commanding scouts;
to General Wharton ; to Rucker's Cavalry Legion and
Jones's cavalry ; and General Vaughn was ordered to col-
lect his command at Rogersville, to be prepared to threaten
Cumberland Gap if the forces there should be reduced.
Due notice was sent our outlying parties and scouts to
be on the watch for the reported raiding parties, and the
guards of bridges in our rear were reinforced.
."»:U FROM MANAS?«iAS TO APPOMATTOX
On the iJth of February, General Graut reported from
^^a^llville. —
••Majok-Gknkrai. H. W. Hallec'K,
•• Gettertil-iH'Chief :
" I am making every efTort to get supplies to Kuuxville for the
siip|H>rt of a large tbn*e — large euoogh to drive Longstreet out.
The eneiiiv have evitleiitlv fallen back with most of their force
from neiieral Thomiis's fn>nt. some going to Mobile. Has there
been any movement in that direction by our troops!
"U. S. Grant,
* ' Major- GenemJj Commanding, ' '
**Majok-Gexeral Thomas:
" Reports of scouts nuike it evident that Joe Johnston has re-
moval most of his foire from your front, two divisions goings to
Longstreet. Longstreet luus been reinforced by troops from the
Kiist. This makes it evident the enemy intends to secure East
Tenui'ssei^ if they can, and I intend to drive them out or get
whippeil this month. For this purpose you will have to detach
at lejist ten thous:ind men besides Stanlej-'s division (more will be
better). I can partly relieve the vacuum at Chattanooga by
troops from Logan's command. It will not be necessary to take
artillery or wagons to Knoxville, but all the sei-viceable artillery
horses should be taken to use on artillery there. Six mules to
eiicli two hundred men should also be taken, if you have them to
spare. Let me know how soon you can start.
"Grant,
^^ Major-CrenerdL^^
On the 9th, Major-Greneral J. M. Schofield arrived at
Knoxville, and assumed command of the Army of the
Ohio.
General Grant reported on the 11th, —
''Major-General H. W. Halleck,
'* Gnieral' in- Chief :
'' T expect to got off from Chattanooga by Monday next a force
to drive Tx)ngstreet out of East Tennessee. It has been impossible
heretofore to Hul)sist the troops necessary for this work.
''U. S. Grant,
'' Major- General.^*
STKATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD. o3o
" Major-Gexeral J. M. Schofield,
'* I deem it of the utmost importance to drive Longstreet out
immediately, so as to furlough the balance of our veterans, and
to prepare for a spring campaign of our own choosing, instead of
permitting the enemy to dictate it for us. Thomas is ordered to
start ten thousand men, besides the remainder of Granger's corps,
at once. He will take no artillery, but will take his artillery
horses, and three mules to one hundred men. He will probably
start next Monday.
"U. S. Grant,
* ' Major- Ge)i€ral. ' '
General Schofield ordered preparations for the eastern
raid continued, but to await further orders of execution,
and reported that its execution would require all of his
effective mounts, break his animals down, and leave him
without cavalry.
General Grant w^ired these several despatches from
Nashville on February 12 :
*' Major-General Thomas :
■ **Ck)nversation with Miyor-General Poster has undecided me
as to the propriety of the contemplated move against Longstreet.
Schofield telegraphs the same views. I will take the matter into
consideration during the day, after further talk with Foster, and
give you the conclusion arrived at. If decided that you do not
go I will instruct Schofield to let Granger send off his veterans at
once.
"Should you not be required to go into Bast Tennessee, could
you not make a formidable reconnoissanoe towards Dalton, and,
if successful in driving the enemy out, occupy that place and
complete the railroad up to it this winter!
"Grant, -
' * Major- General, ' '
"Major-General Thomas:
"Logan's troops started yesterday morning. If I decide not
to make the move at present into East Tennessee, I will send
them back, unless you require them to aid in advance on Dalton.
(See my telegram of this morning.)
"Grant,
^^ Mqjor- General.^ ^
ooi; FKOM HAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
**Major-Gexeral J. M. Schofield:
*' No iiioveuicnt will be made against Longstreet at present.
Give your men and animals all the rest yon can preparatory to
early operations in tbe spring. Fnrlongh all the veterans yoa
deem it prudent to let go.
'*U. S. Grant,
'' MaJarGeiural.'^
"Majok-Gexeral J. M. Schofield,
''KnoxriUe, Tenn.:
** You need not attempt the raid with the cavalry you now
have. If that in Kentucky can recruit np it may do hereafter to
send it on such an expedition. I have asked so often for a co-
operative movement from the troojw in West Virginia that I
hardly expect to see anything to help us from there. General
Uulleck s;iys they have not got men enough. Crook, however,
hiis gone there, and may undertake to strike the road about New
River.
** U. S. Grant,
**Major-General IIalljx'k,
** Generalin-Chief^ Washinffton :
** Generai-, — I have got General Thomas ready to moveaforce
of about fourteen thousiind infantry into £u8t Tennessee to aid the
force there in expelling Longsti'eet from the State. He would
have started on Monday night if I had not revoked the order.
My reasons for doing this are these : General Foster, who is now
here (or left this morning), says that our possession of the portion
of East Tennessee is j>erfectly secure against all danger. The con-
dition of the p(H>i>1e within the rebel lines cannot be improved
now after lasing all they had. Longstreet, where he is, makes
more secure other parts of our possessions. Our men, from scanty
clothing and short rations, are not in good condition for an
advance. There are but very few animals in East Tennessee in
condition to move artillery or other stores. If we move against
Longstreet with an overwhelming force he will simply fall back
towanls Virginia until he can be reinforced or take up an im-
pregnable position. The country being exhausted, all our sup-
plies will have to l)e carried from Knoxville the whole distance
advanced. Wo would be obliged to advance rapidly and return
soon whether the objwt of the expedition was accomplished or
not. Longstreet could I'eturn with impunity on the heels of our
returning column, at knust a^ fai* down the valley as he can supply
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD. 537
himself from the road in his rear. Schofield telegraphs to the
same effect. All these seem to be good reasons for abandoning
the movement, and I have therefore suspended it. Now that our
men are ready for an advance, however, I have directed it to be
made on Dal ton, and hope to get possession of that place and hold
it as a step towards a spring campaign. Our troops in East Ten-
nessee are now clothed ; rations are also accumulating. When
Foster left most of the troops had ten days' supplies, with five
hundred barrels of flour and forty days' meat in store, and the
quantity increasing daily.
"I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
*'U. S. Grant,
* * Major- GeneraV '
Later despatches from General Grant and Commander-
in-Chief Halleck were as follows :
'^ Nashville, Tenn., February 13, 1864.
^^Major-General H. W. Halleck,
** General-in-CJiief :
'^Despatches just received from General Schofield and conver-
sation with General Foster, who is now here, have determined me
against moving immediately against Longstreet. I will write
more fully. No danger whatever to be apprehended in Bast
Tennessee.
** U. 8. Grant,
* ' Major- General. ' '
*' Knoxville, February 15, 1864, 6.30 p.m.
*' Major-General Thomas:
"In consequence of Longstreet' s movement in this direction I
have ordered one division of Granger's corps to this place. I
think Stanley should move up as far as Athens and Sweet Water
so as to protect the railroad. Longstreet has not advanced farther
than Strawberry Plains. No further news from him to-day.
"J. M. Schofield,
^ * Major- General. ' '
"[Confidential.]
"Washington, D. C, February 17, 1864.
"Major-General Grant,
*^ Nashville, Tenn.:
"General, — Your letter of the 12th instant is just received.
I fully concur with you in regard to the present condition of
"»:'S FKt»M MAXAS^iAS TO APPOMATTOX.
atVuirs ill F-u^t Toiuussiv. It certainly is very much to be re-
ji:n»ttiHl that tlu» fatal luistake i>f <;eneral Bnrnside has i>ermitte<i
LonjT^tnvi's army t«^ winner in Tt»nm*sst*e. It is due to yourself
tliat a full n'porr iif this luattor should l»e p1a<*ed ou file, so that
the ivsiHMisilnlity may ivst wheiv it properly belongs.
"H. W. Halleck,
^' General in Chief .''
Tlio raiils oriloreil north aiul south of us were now given
o\v\\ (lonoral Thomas lujule his advance towards Dal-
ton, and roiiroil, uusuccesstul.
(lonoral HalKvk was riirht in his estimate of East Ten-
nossiv as a strates^io lioKl essential to the Union service,
the s;ate-wav to Kontm-kv, to the Union line of communi-
oalion, and the Ohio River; but Genend Grant found it
so far from his linos of active oiH^rations that it could not
he worked without interrupting plans of campaigns for
I lie summer, anil giving his adversary opi)ortunity to dic-
tate the work of the year. He thought it better to de-
peiul upon the conservative spirit that controlled at the
South, to draw the armv in Ea^t Tennessee off to meet
ihreatenings in Virginia and Georgia, when he had pre-
l)ared for them in the spring of the year.
On the 10th of February, General Jenkins was ordered
with his division at Strawlx»rry Plains to use the i)Outoon
and flat-ln^its in bridging the Holston River. Other
columns were ordered to approximate concentration, in-
cluding Wharton's brigade from Bull's Gap, and Hodges's
brigade coming from the Department of West Virginia.
Rucker's cavalry was ordered to Blain's Cross-roads on
the west bank, and outlying forces were advised of the
advance. General Jenkins Avas ordered to put some of
the cavalry over to be in observation towards Knoxville,
and a brigade of infantry ju> supporting force ; batteries on
the hither bank to cover the troops and the bridge in case
the enemy was disjx)se(l to dispute our crossing, and await
my arrival and further orders. The army being ready
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD. 539
for the croissing and move for Knoxville, inquiry was
made of General Johnston as to the condition of aflfairs
with the enemy at Chattanooga. In answer he said, —
**Our scouts report that troops have been sent from Chatta-
nooga to Loudon. They could not learn the number."
On the 17th I asked the Richmond authorities for ten
thousand additional men, and General Lee, approving our
work, asked to have Pickett's division sent, and other de-
tachments to make up the number.
On the 19th I was informed from General Johnston's
head-quarters that " eight trains loaded with troops Avent
up from Chattanooga on the night of the 17th." A tele-
gram came on the. 19th from Richmond to say that the
additional troops called for could not be sent, and on* the
same day a telegram from the President ordered me to
send General Martin with his cavalry to General Johns-
ton. In reply I reported that the order depriving me of
the cavalry would force me to abandon the move, then in
progress, against Knoxville, and draw the troops back to-
wards Bristol. Then came other despatches from General
Johnston that the enemy was still drawing forces from
Chattanooga, but no authority came from Richmond au-
thorizing me to retain the cavalry, so we were obliged to
draw back to fields that could be guarded by smaller
commands.
Referring to the proposed advance, General Grant said,
"Longstreet cannot aflTord to place his force between
Knoxville and the Tennessee." It was not so intended,
but to put the army alongside of Knoxville to hold the
enemy to his intrenched lines, while the troops asked for
would be employed in breaking the railroad and bridges
between that point and Chattanooga. It was thought that
the army at Chattanooga could not afford suflScient de-
tachments to drive me from that work without exposing
that position to danger from General Johnston at Dalton,
r»40 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
bill u|K>ii inquiry of Gi^neral Johnston if he could avail
himsolf iif 55iK-h opjK)rtuuity, he replied that he was or-
denil lo reinforce General Polk, who was operating in
Mij>.si:NsipiM in front of General Sherman. Instead of re-
inforcing Cloncral Polk, the latter should have been or-
dered to General Jolins^ton. Tliat would have drawn
General Sherman to General Thomas, but Polk, having
interior lines of transit, could have been in time for
Johiisston to strike and break up the road and bridge be-
hind Thomas before Sherman could reach him. The
break could have forced Thomas to care for his own posi-
tion, and the want of the bridge behind him might have
forced him to abandon it, in search of safe communication
with his supplies. But the authorities could not be in-
duced to abandon the jx^licy of placing detachments to
defend iH)ints to which the enemy chose to call us. We
had tnH>ps enough in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and
^Iississipj>i, if allowed to use them in co-operative combi-
nation, to break the entire front of the Federal forces and
force them back into Kentucky before the opening of the
spring campaign, when we might have found opportunity
to " dictate" their cam[)aign. The enemy was in no con-
dition for backward move at the time of my advance upon
Knoxville, so simultaneous advance of our many columns
could have given him serious trouble, if not confusion.
The order for the return of Martin's cavalry to Greor-
gia, and the notice that other troops could not be sent me,
called for the withdrawal of the command east, where we
could find safer lines of defence and good foraging. The
order to retire was issued, and the march was taken up
on the 22d of February, Jenkins's division and the cav-
alry to cover the march. He was ordered to reship the
pontoon-boats, destroy trestlings, flat-boats, the railroad
bridge, and march in advance of the cavalry. He in-
<|uiro(l if he should cut the wires and crossings of small
streams, but wtts ordered to leave them undisturbed, as the
STRATEGIC IMPORTAXCE OP THE FIELD. 541
enemy would not be so likely to trouble us when he found
we were disposed to be aecomniodating.
The march was not seriously disturbed. The enemy's
cavalry, reduced by severe winter service, was in poor
condition to follow, and the roads we left behind us were
too heavy for artillery. A good position was found be-
hind Bull's Gap, and the army was deployed to comfort-
able camps from the Holston River on the right to the
Nolachucky on the left.
The prime object of the second advance upon Knox-
ville was to show the strategic strength of the field, and
persuade the authorities that an army of twenty thou-
sand in that zone could be of greater service than double
that force on the enemy's front or elsewhere, but they
could not or would not hear of plans that proposed to
take them from the settled policy of meeting the enemy
where he vfss prepared for us.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
LAST DAYS IX TEXXESSEE.
Loiijrstnvt's Army at Hull** liup— U. S. (wraiit made Lieutenant-Gen-
t^nil— Hiohmoiul Autlioritios awake to the Gravity of the Situation —
litui^triH'tV Pn^|M)!«ition for Cauipai^n— Approved by General Lee —
Hichnioiul Authorities fail to adopt it — General Bragft's Plan — A
.Moniorable and Tn pleasant Council at the Capital^Orders fhini
Pn^sidi'Ht Ehivis*— The Owe of CTeneral Law— LongBtrcet ordered to
tlio Army of Northern Virginia— Resolutions of Thanks from Con-
federate Congress.
It woulil bo iliffieult to find a country more inviting in
at^riculturo ami horticulture than Eaj^t Tennessee, and it^
Hiiiieral rosounvi? are as interesting, but for those whose
mission was strategic, its geographical and topographical
features were more striking. Our {X)sition at Bull's Gap
was covered bv a spur of the inount^iins which shoots out
from the south side of the Holston River towards the
north bend of the Xolachucky, o|>ening ga|)s that could
be improved by the pick and shovel until the line became
unassailable. In a few days our line was strong enough,
and we looked for the enemy to come and try our metal,
until we learned that he was as badly crippled of the cav-
alry arm as we. (ioneral Martin was ordered with his
division to Gi^neral Johnston in Georgia, and Colonel
Gary with his legion w^as ordered to South Carolina to
be mounted for cavalry service.
The armies under General Lee in Virginia and General
Johnston in Georgia were in defensive positions, with little
prospect of striking by their right or left flanks in search
of a way to break their bounds, and the army in East
Tennessee had been called back to the defensive for want
of cavalry, but the latter still covered giite-ways through
the mountains that offered routes to Kentucky for strategic
LAST DAYS IX TENXESSFE. 543
manoeuvres. The Trans-Mississippi Department was an
open field of vast opportunities, but was lying fallow.
An officer of the Union service had worked his way
during three years of severe field service from obscure
position with a regiment, to command of armies, and had
borne his banners in triumph through battle and siege,
(yvQv the prejudice of higher officers, until President Lin-
coln's good judgment told him that Grant w^as the man
for the times. Congress provided the place, and the
President sent his commission as lieutenant-general to the
United States Senate, where it was promptly confirmed,
and the lieutenant-general was presently assigned as com-
mander over half a million of men, to the surprise of
many, more than all to the bureau general-in-chief. He
was soon at work arranging his combination for the cam-
paign of the coming year. He was a West Point boy,
and we had been together during three years of academic
service, then two years in the United States Fourth Regi-
ment of Infantry, and later in Worth's division in
Mexico.
Forced to extremities, the Richmond authorities began
to realize the importance of finding a way out of our pent-
up borders before the Union commander could complete
his extensive arrangements to press on with his columns.
They called upon General Lee, General Johnston, and
myself for plans or suggestions that could anticipate the
movements of the enemy, disconcert his plans, and move
him to new combinations. In front of General Lee and
on his right and left the country had been so often foraged
by both Union and Confederate armies that it was denuded
of supplies. Besides, a forced advance of Lee's army
could only put the enemy back a few miles to his works
about Washington. General Johnston's opportunities
were no better, and in addition to other difficulties, he
was working under the avowed displeasure of the authori-
ties, more trying than his trouble with the enemy.
."ill FIIOM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
I was under the impression that we could collect an
army of twenty thousand men in South Carolina by strip-
ping; our forts and positions of all men not essential for
defence ; tliat that army coukl be quietly moveil north by
rail through Greenville to the borders of North Carolina,
and promptly marched by Abingdon, Virginia, through
the niountain passes, while my command covered the
move by its position in East Tennessee. That army-
passing the mountains, my command could drop off by
the left to its rear and follow into Kentucky, — ^the whole
to march against the enemy's only line of railway from
Louisville, and force him to loose his hold against Gen-
eral Johnston's front, and give the latter opportunity to
advance his army and call all of his troops in Alabama
and Mississipj>i to like advance, the grand junction of all
of the columns to be made on or near the Ohio River, —
General Beauregard to command the leading column,
with orders not to make or accept battle until the grand
junction was made. That General Johnston should have
like orders against battle until he became satisfied of
fruitful issues. The supplies and transi>ortation for
Beauregard to be collected at the head of the railroad,
in advance of the movement of troops, under the osten-
sible purpose of hauling for my command. The arrange-
ments ])erfected, the commander of the leading column
to i)ut his troo])s on the rail at or near Charleston and
maidi with them Jis they arrived at the head of the road.
With this proi)Osition I went to Virginia and submitted
it to General Lee. He approved, and asked me to take
it to the Richmond authorities. I objected that the mere
fact of its coming from me would be enough to cause its
rejection, and asked, if he aj^proved, that he would take it
and submit it as his own. He took me with him to Rich-
mond, but w^ent alone next morning to see the President.
He met, besides the President, the Secretary of War and
General Bragg. Conference was held during the fo:
LAST DAYS IS TENNESSEE. 545
iioon, but was not conclusive. In the afternoon he called
me wiih him for further deliberation.
At tlie opening of the afternoon council it appeared
that General Bragg had offered a plan for early spring
campaign, and that it had received the approval of the
President, — viz. :
"General Joliiiston to march his army through the mouutaiua
of Georgia and East Tennessee to tlie head-waters of Little Ten-
nessee Biver ; my command to march through the mountains east
of Kiioxvillc to joiu General Johnston. The commands united,
to march west, cross the river into Middle Tennessee, and march
for the enemy's line of supplies about Nashville,"
When asked an opinion of this, I inquired as to Gen-
eral Johnston's attitude towards it, and was told that he
objected ; that lie thought the sparselj'-settled country
of the mountains through which he would move could not
supply his army ; that he would consume all that he could
haul before turning westward for the middle country, and
would be forced to active foraging from his first step be-
tween the two armies of the enemy.
General Lee inquired if General Johnston had ma-
turely considered the matter. I thought that he had,
and that the objections of the officer who was to conduct
the campaign were, of themselves, reasons for overruling
it ; but its advocates were not ready to accept a summary
disposal of their plans, and it began to transpire that the
President had serious objections to Qenend Beauregard
as a connuander for the field.
Bnt General Lee calletl us to business, asking if any-
thing more could be said in extenuation of General
Johnston's objections. I called attention to General
Bragg's official account of the battle of Chickamauga,
in which he reported that a similar move had been pro-
piMcd for him through Middle Tennessee towards the
I enemy's line of communication at Nashville early on
•Vh; ri:oM manassas to a!m»omattox.
the moruing after the battle ; that he rejected it, reported
it " visionary" ; said that it would leave his rear open to
the enemy, and alluded to the country through which
the march was proposed as "affording no subsistence to
men or animals." This at harvest season, too! the enemy
demoralized by the late battle, and the Confederates in
the vigor of success ! Now, after a winter of foraging by
the Union armies, the country could not be so plethoric
of supplies as to support us, while an active army was on
each flank, better prepared to dispute our march.
General Lee wore his beard ftill, but neatly trimmed,
lie pulled at it nervously, and more vigorously as time
and silence grew, until at last his suppressed emotion was
conquered. The profound quiet of a minute or more
seemed an hour. When he spoke, it was of other matters,
but tlio air was troubled by his efforts to surrender hopeful
anticipations to the caprice of empirics. He rose to take
leave of the august presence, gave his hand to the Presi-
dent, and bowed himself out of the council chamber.
His assistant went through the same forms, and no one
approached the door to offer parting courtesy.
I had seen the general under severe trial before, espe-
cially on his Pennsylvania campaign when he found the
cavalry under General Imboden had halted for rest at
Hancock, at the opening of an aggressive movement. My
similar experience with the President in the all-day tiilk,
on Missionary Ridge, six months before, had better pre-
pared me for the ordeal, and I drew some comfort from
the reflection that others had their trials. General Lee
took the next train for his army on the Bapidan, and I
that by the direct route to my command by the Southside
Railwav.
When ordered from Virginia in September my wife re-
mained in Petersburg with her good friend Mrs. Dunn.
On the 20th of October following a son was born, and
christened Robert Lee. After continuous field service
LAST DAYS IX TEXXESSEE. 547
since the 1st of July, 1861, I thought to avail myself of
the privilege as department commander to take a two
days' leave of absence to see the precious woman and her
infant boy. While there it occurred to me to write to the
President, and try to soften the asperities of the Richmond
council ; also to find a way to overcome the objections to
General Beauregard. So I suggested that General Lee
be sent to Tennessee and assigned to command. In reply
the President sent a rebuke of my delay.
On my return to head-quarters at Greenville the other
division of General Johnston's cavalry was ordered to him
through the mountains. Just then a severe snow-storm
came upon us and blocked all roads. Meanwhile, the
enemy had mended his ways, secured munitions, and
thought to march out from Mossy Creek as far as Morris-
town. Orders were given for a march to meet him, but
we found ourselves in need of forage, so we rested in posi-
tion, and presently learned that the enemy had retired
towards his works.
Our reduced cavalry force made necessary a change of
position behind the Holston River, where a small force
could at least observe our flanks, and give notice of threat-
enings on either side.
A letter from the President under date of the 25th or-
dered that we be prepared to march to meet General
Johnston for the campaign through Middle Tennessee.
He was informed that we were ready, only needing sup-
plies for the march and his orders ; that I had cared for
the bridges in that direction, so that there was no reason
with us for delay.
On the 7th of April I was ordered, with the part of my
command that had originally served with the Army of
Northern Virginia, back to service with General Lee on
the Rapidan. The move was made as soon as cars could
be had to haul the troops, halting under orders at Char-
to meet a grand flanking move then antici-
."»1.S FKOM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
patLMl. Oil the 22<l we woiv ordered down as far as
]Mecluiiiic!:;vilhs live miles west of GordouHville, wutcliing
there for a lesser flank move. On the 2i)th, General Lee
eame out and reviewed the eonimand.
Referring to the general offieers wlio had l)een put
under charges while in East Tennessee, General Robert-
.son had been sentenced to suspension, and an excellent
officer, (fcneral Ciregg, had l>een sent to report, and was
assigned to the Texas brigade. In the case of General
McLaws, the court-martial ordered official reprimand,
but the President disaj)proved the proceedings, passing
reprimand upon the court and the commanding general,
and ordered the officer to be restored to duty, which was
very gratifying to me, who could have taken several repri-
mands to relieve a personal friend of embarrassing posi-
tion. General McLaws w^as a classmate, and had been a
warm personal friend from childhood. I had no desire to
})ut charges against him, and should have failed to do so
even under the directions of the authorities. I am happy
to say that our personal relations are as close and interest-
ing as they have ever been, and that his heart was big
(»nough to separate official duties and personal rela-
tions.
Charges had ])een preferred against Brigadier-General
E. M. Law for surreptitiously dis[)osing of an official
communication to the War Department that had been
intrustcnl to his care, in which was enclosed his pretended
resignation from the Confederate army. The President
refused to entertain the charges, and ordered the officer
released from arrest and restored to his command.
Of the pai)er that w^as improperly disposed of, General
Cooper, adjutant and inspector-general of the army, re-
ported,—
''The resi^iciiation within referred to never came to the office.
Tt appears from inquiry at the War Department that it was pre-
siMited by a friend of (Jeueral Law, uuofficially, to the Secretary
LAST DAYS IX TENNESSEE. 549
of War, and never eame through the regular channels as an
official paper.'' *
General Lee wrote to the Department of the charges, —
**I examined the charges against General Law and find them
of a very grave character. I think it due to General Law, as well
as to the interest of the service, that they should be investigated
and his innocence or guilt should be declared by a court-martial.
There have been instances of officera obtaining indulgences on not
true grounds, which I think discreditable and prejudicial to
military discipline, and should be stopped.'' f
The indorsement of General Cooper shows that the
paper was fraudulently handled. The letter of General
Lee shows the offence a high crime and misdemeanor.
General Lee wrote to inform me that the authorities at
Richmond had ordered General Law to be restored to
duty with his command. The limit of endurance had thus
been reached and passed. I ordered the rearrest of Gen-
eral Law upon his appearance wuthin the limits of the
command. To hold me at the head of the command while
encouraging mutinous conduct in its ranks was beyond all
laws and customs of war, and I wrote General Lee that
my orders were out to have General Law again put under
arrest, and that the case should be brought before a mili-
tary tribunal, or I must be relieved of duty in the Con-
federate States service. The authorities then thought to
find their way by transferring me to another command,
but on that point General Lee became impatient, and in-
clined to serious thought and action. The commander of
the army was involved as well as the commander of the
First Corps, and both or neither must be relieved. The
authorities halted, and that was the last that I heard of
General Law until his newspaper articles began to appear,
years after the surrender.
The following vote of thanks given by the Congress at
B_l— |_ I ■ , I !■! - — - - - - ■ ■ _ _ ^ —
* Jlebelliou Record. t Ibid.
•VK) FROM 5IANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
this juncture atfonls a remarkable commentary upon the
eoniluet of the autliorities, a^j well as constituting a com-
pliment nn>st heartily appreeiateil by the recipients :
-Thanks of thk Confederate Congress to Lieutenant-
liKNF.KAL James Longstreet and his Cosimaxd.*
*'No. 42. — Joint Ki-^^lutions of thanks to Lieatenant-General
Ix>ngstreet ami the officers and men of his command.
'• Kofoln^l bif the Congfras of the Confederate States of America j
That the thanks of Congress are due, and hereby cordially ten-
dered, to Lieuteiuuit General James Longstreet and the officers
and men of his eonimaud, for their patriotic ser\nce8 and brilliant
iiohievenients in the present war, sharing as they have the ardu-
ous fatigut's and privations of many campaigns in Virginia,
Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Tennessee, and partici-
pating in nearly evi^ry gi'eat bsittle fought in those States, the
commanding general ever displaying great ability, skill, and pru-
dence in eonimand. and the officers and men the most heroic
braver>\ fortitude, and energy-, in every duty they have been
ealle<l upon to perform.
*' RrmJred, That the President be requested to transmit a copy
of the foregoing resolution to Lieutenant-Greneral Longstreet for
publi(*ation to his command.
** Approved February 17, 18^4."
* Bebelliou Record, vol. xxxi. jmrt i. p. 548.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS.
Campaign of 1864--Gteneral Grant in the Field— Strength of the Armies—
Their Positions— Description of the Wilderness — The Battle opened— A
Brisk Day's Fighting— Longstreet's Command faces Hancock's on the
Morning of the Second Day — An Effective Flank Movement— General
Wadsworth mortally wounded— General Jenkins falls under Fire of
Friends, and Longstreet is seriously wounded — Carried from the Field
on a Litter — Tribute to General Jenkins— Criticism and Controversy.
After reporting the return of my command to service
with the Army of Northern Virginia, I took the earliest
opportunity to suggest that the preliminaries of the cam-
paign should be carefully confined to strategic manoeuvre
until we could show better generalship. That accom-
plished, I argued, the enemy's forces would lose confidence
in the superiority of their leader's skill and prowess ; that
both armies were composed of intelligent, experienced
veterans, who were as quick to discover the better hand-
ling of their ranks as trained generals ; that by such suc-
cessful manoeuvres the Confederates would gain confidence
and power as the enemy began to lose prestige ; that then
we could begin to look for a favorable opportunity to call
the enemy to aggressive work, while immediate aggression
from us against his greater numbers must make our labors
heavy and more or less doubtful ; ^ that we should first
show that the power of battle is in generalship more than
in the number of soldiers, which, properly illustrated,
would make the weaker numbers of the contention the
stronger force.
In this connection I refer to the policy of attrition
which became a prominent feature during part of the
campaign, and showed that the enemy [)ut his faith in
numbers more than in sui^erior skill and generalship.
551
.>3- FKv»X XA>M$5>AS TO APPOMATTOX.
Gt?tKniI Graut Miaile Iu< li^ad-tjuarter? near the Army
of iliv Pot..>m:K\ ill Culj^per County. Virginia, eom-
numJovl bv >I:y..iM,irtienil Cn?i>rge G. Meade. It hail
l>et?u or^auizt\l iuto chrw o.»r|vi, S^\mJ, Fifth, and Sixth,
oomnumdeii n?siKVcively by Major-General W. S. Han-
iwk, M:yor-<.fenenil G. K. Warren, and Major-General
John vViljrwiok. all iu i.tmcounieut near Culpeper Coiirt-
Hou>e. The Ninth C orj^ w;ki a distinct boily reorganizeil
under Major-General A. E. Burnside, and (>osted in co-
o|vrative jK^ition ut^ir the railnxid bridge over the Riiiv-
Kihanmvk Kiwt. The a;:srresr*«e of the two eommands
was alHHit one hundrevl and thirtv thousand men, classified
as foUows :
Army of the Pv»loiu;w :
Infantry prv^kMit for duty, eiiuippeil va^g:rvvrate) . . 73,390
Cavnlry vAg$nrv);:ato^ < 12,424
ArtiU«>ryanil on^iuoors 2,7&4
QuarterinasittT*:*, sul^istonce. ami uuHUi*al ilepart-
monts. t'xtRiMiuty nion. and en$rino«'r brigade . . 19,183
Ninth Coriv». pro:«('nt for duty, ei|uip|HHl 19,486
Total 127,347
But deducting extra-duty men. elaiiueil a^ uou-coui-
bsUants 19,188
Leaves 108,064
These figures are from Major-General A. A. Hum-
plireys, chief of staff of the Army of the Potomac. But
General Badeaii, in his " Milit^irv Historv of U. S. Grant,"
p. 94, gives as the exact numbers put into battle (after
deducting a division of colored troops, not then used for
battle service) the following :
Army of the Potomac 97,278
Ninth Corps 22,708
Total 119,081
From which he deducts the division of colored troops 3,095
Leaving 116,886
The Army of Northern Virginia stood on the west side
of Ra])i(laii Klvcr, Mine Hun on its right, extending
i
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 5o3
north, the left division, R. H. Anderson's, looking to-
wards Madison Court-House ; the Second and Third
Corps, commanded by Lieutenant-Generals R. S. Ewell
and A. P. Hill ; two divisions and Alexander's artillery of
Longstreet's (First) corps being held at Mechanics ville.
Colonel Taylor, chief of staff with the Army of North-
ern Virginia, gives the strength of the army at the open-
ing of the campaign, from the returns of April 20, the
latest up to date, as follows : *
Second Corps 17,093
Third Corps 22,199
Unattached commands, Maryland Line, etc 1,125
** A liberal estimate," as he calls it, of my command . 10,000
Total 50,417
Cavalry 8,727
Artillery corps 4,854
Making a total of 63,998
But General Badeau objects, on authority of a letter
from General Bragg to General Joseph E. Johnston,
stating that I had fourteen thousand men in my command.
If General Bragg's letter referred to my command in
East Tennessee it was accurate enough. But Buckner's
division of that command, the cavalry, and other detach-
ments were left in East Tennessee. General Badeau
claims, besides, six thousand furloughed men and con-
scripts as joining the army between the 20th of April and
the 4th of May. Of this there is no official record, and it is
more than probable that new cases of sick and furloughed
men of that interval were as many at least as the frag-
mentary parties that joined us. General Humphreys
reported me as having fifteen thousand men. If he in-
tended those figures as the strength of the First Corps, he
is accurate enough, but Pickett's division of that corps
was not with it, nor did it return to the Array of North-
ern Virginia until late in the campaign. So I find no
■ IIBI __■■ ___ _- ■■_ —
* ** Four Years with General I^ee,"
554 FROM MANAS8AS TO APPOMATTOX.
goocl rciisoii for changing the figures of Colonel Taylor,
exco[)t so far its to add Johnson's brigade of Rodes's di-
vision, which is reported to have joined the Second Corps
on tlic 6th of May,^-estimated at 15(KJ, which, added to
03,998, wouhl make the total 65,498. But Greneral
Ewell's official account of numbers on the morning of the
6th of May puts his force at 15,500, which is better au-
thority than Oilonel Taylor's from the return of April 20,
or General Badeau's computation. To these figures should
be achled Johnson's brigade, that reported later of the
day, estimated l)y General Badeau at 1500, which makes
the aggregate of the Second Corps 17,000, and brings
that of the Army of Northern Virginia back to 65,405.
However, the numerical strength of armies should not
be considered as of exclusive bearing u])on the merits of
the campaign. The commanders had chosen their battle
after mature deliberation. They knew of each other's
numbers and resources before they laid their plans, and
they had even known each other personally for more than
twenty years. Each had the undivided support and confi-
dence of his government and his army, and it was time
now to leave the past and give attention to the future.
General Lee had acquired fame as a strategist in his
two years' service in the Army of Northern Virginia, and
General Grant, by his three years' service in the West,
had come to be known as an all-round soldier, seldom if
ever surpassed ; but the biggest part of him was his heart.
They were equally pugnacious and plucky, — Grant the
more deliberate.
Six months before the opening of the impending cam-
paign, in November, 1863, General Meade, essaying a
blow^ at the Army of Northern Virginia, crossed the Rap-
idan below General Lee's right, and deployed along the
south side of Mine Run, but found Lee's line so strong
and so improved by field-works that he felt constrained to
withdraw without making battle.
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 500
A8 the purpose of this writing is to convey ideas of
personal observations and experience, it will be confined,
as far as practicable, to campaigns or parts of them with
which I was directly or indirectly connected. So, when
participants and partisans have passed away, I shall
have contributed my share towards putting the historian
in possession of evidence which he can weigh with that
of other actors in the great drama.
At midnight of the 3d of May, 1864, the Army of the
Potomac took its line of march for the lower crossings of
the Rapidan River at Germania and Ely's Fords, the Fifth
and Sixth Corps for the former, the Second for the latter,
Wilson's division of cavalry leading the first, Gregg's the
second column. The cavalry was to secure the crossings
and lay bridges for the columns as they came up. Wilson's
cavalry crossed at Germania ford, drove off the Confed-
erate outpost, and began the construction of a bridge at
daylight. Gregg also was successful, and the bridges were
ready when the solid columns came. Warren's (Fifth
Corps) crossed afler Wilson's cavalry, marching westward
as far as Wilderness Tavern. Sedgwick's corps followed
and pitched camp near the crossing. Hancock's corps
followed Gregg's cavalry, and made camp at Chancellors-
ville. Generals Grant and Meade went over after War-
ren's column and established head-quarters near the cross-
ing. General Grant despatched for Burnside's corps to
come and join him by night march. Sheridan was ex-
pected to engage Stuart's cavalry at Hamilton's Crossing
near Fredericksburg.
General Grant had no fixed plan of campaign beyond
the general idea to avoid the strong defensive line occu-
pied by General Lee behind Mine Run, and find a way to
draw him out to open battle.
The Wilderness is a forest land of about fifteen miles
square, lying between and equidistant from Orange Court-
Houw and Fredericksburg. It is broken oco^isionally by
•- -^»
Ooh FROM 31 AX ASS AS TO APPOMATTOX.
small farms and abandoned clearings, and Hwo roads, —
the Orange Plank road and the turnpike, which are
cut at right angles by the Germania road, — in general
course nearly parallel, open ways through it between
Fredericksburg and the Court-House. The Grermania
Ford road joins the Brock road, the strategic line of
the military zone, and crosses the turnpike at Wilderness
Tavern and the Plank road about two miles south of
that point.
Though the march was set on foot at midnight it was
soon made known to General IjCC, and its full purport
was revealed by noon of the 4th, and orders were sent the
different commanders for their march to meet the enemy,
— the Second Corps (Ewell's) consisting of Rodes's,
Johnson's, and E^irly's divisions, by the Orange Turn-
pike ; the Third (A. P. Pliirs)— R, H. Anderson's, Heth's,
and Wilcox's divisions — by the Orange Plank road.
Cfcneral Lee's signals were interpreted and sent to
General Grant, who so far modified his plans as to pre-
j)are for immediate battle. The commands of the First
Corps, Field's and Kershaw's divisions and Alexander's
batteries, were stationed, Field's north of Gordonsville,
where he had been posted on the 1st of May in anticipa-
tion of a move around our left, the other commands near
Mechanicsville. We were ordered forward by the Plank
road to Parker's Store ; the order was received after one
o'clock, and sent out for information of the commanders,
who were ordered to prepare and march. But I asked
for and received authority to march by a shorter route
that would at the same time relieve the Plank road of
pressure of troops and trains (for we had been crowded
oft* the road once before by putting too many troops upon
a single track). By the same despatch I asked and
subsequently obtained leave to go on to the Brock road,
whore wo could look for and hope to intercept the enemy's
njurch, aiul cause him to develop plans before he could
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BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 557
get out of the Wilderness. We marcbcd at four o'clock
by the Lawyer's road. Our chief quartermaster, Colonel
Taylor, whose home was between Orange Court-llouse and
the Wilderness, had been ordered to secure the services
of the most competent guide to be found. We halted
at Brock's Bridge for rest, and there Colonel Taylor
brought up our guide, James Robinson, who had been
for several years the sheriff of the county, and whose
whole life had been spent in the Wilderness. The march
was resumed, and continued w^ith swinging step, with
occasional rests, until we reached Richard's Shops, at five
P.M. of the 5th. There we overtook Rosser's cavalry,
engaged in severe encounter with part of Sheridan's. The
enemy abandoned the contest and rode away, leaving his
dead with some of ours on the field.
The distance of march was twenty-eight miles. Soon
after my arrival at the shops. Colonel Venable, of general
head-quarters staff, came with orders for a change of direc-
tion of the column through the wood to unite with the
troops of the Third Corps on the Plank road. The rear
of my column closed up at dark, and orders were sent to
prepare to resume march at twelve o'clock. The accounts
we had of the day's work w^ere favorable to the Confeder-
ates ; but the change of direction of our march was not
reassuring.
In accordance with the general plan of turning the
Confederate right without touching our intrenched line
along Mine Run, the Army of the Potomac had been put
in motion early on the 5th, the Second Corps towards
Shady Grove Church by the Todd's Tavern road, the
Fifth by the dirt road towards Parker's Store on the
Plank road, the Sixth on the right, to follow the Fifth
as movements developed. General Warren moved with
three divisions, leaving Grifl&n's on the turnpike. Pres-
ently, after taking up his march towards Parker's Store,
the ConfedentteB were discovered on the Plank road, and
../..^A:lStw:V'. •
^h)^ FROM MAXASSAS TO API'OMATTOX.
(Jeneral Meade ordered the corps made ready for battle.
The Sixth, excej)t Getty's division, was ordered to make
connection on the right of the Fifth by wood roads, and
j)rej)are for the battle. Getty's division was ordered to
the Phink road at the Brock road crassing, to hold that
point at all hazards until the Second Corps could join it,
the latter being recalled from Todd's Tavern for that
holding and developments there indicated.
At noon General Warren was prepared on the turn-
pike and attacked with Griffin's and Wadsworth's di-
visions.
General Lee's orders were against a general engagement
until his forces were in hand, but the troo|>s had met and
action could not wait. Warren's attack had some suc-
cess, as by his orders General Ewell felt called upon to
delay battle, but a sudden dash of the enemy broke into
disorder his brigade under J. M. Jones, also Battle's bri-
gade ; but other of his troops joined them, recovered his
ground, drove off the attacking forces, taking two guns,
and chilled Warren's corps to better concentration. The
Sixth was to be with Warren, but was delayed by the
narrow, tangled roads till night. General Ewell pre-
pared for the next day by intrenching his front.
Meanwhile, General Hill had pushed the divisions
under lleth and Wilcox along the Plank road until they
were near the Brock road crossing, occupied by Getty's
division of the Sixth Corps.
General Getty Wiis in time to drive back a few of our
men who had reached the Brock road in observation, and
Hancock's corps joined him at two p.m., fronting his di-
visions— Birncy's, Mott's, Gibbon's, and Barlow's — along
the Brock road, on the left of Getty's. His artillery was
massed on his left, near Barlow, except a battery nearer
the Phmk road, and one section at the crossing. He or-
dered his line intrenched.
As soon as he found his troops in hand at the cross-
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 559
roads, General Meade ordered them into action. Getty's
division, supported by the Second Corps, was to drive Hill
back, occupy Parker's Store, and connect with Warren's
line. He afterwards learned of the repulse of Warren on
the turnpike, but repeated his orders for the advance on
the Plank road. At 4.15 Getty's division advanced, and
met the divisions of Heth and Wilcox a few hundred
yards in advance of their trenches.
In the fierce engagement that followed, Birney's and
Mott's divisions were engaged on Getty's left, and later
the brigades of Carroll and Owen, of Gibbon's division.
Wadsworth's division and Baxter's brigade of the Fifth
Corps were put in to aid Getty's right. The combination
forced Heth and Wilcox back about half a mile, when
the battle rested for the night. Hancock reinforced his
front by Webb's brigade of Gibbon's division, and was
diligently employed at his lines during the night putting
up field-works.
About eleven o'clock in the night the guide reported
from General Lee to conduct my command through the
wood across to the Plank road, and at one o'clock the
march was resumed. The road was overgrown by the
bushes, except the side-tracks made by the draft animals
and the ruts of wheels which marked occasional lines in
its course. After a time the wood became less dense, and
the unused road was more difficult to follow, and presently
the guide found that there was no road under him ; but
no time was lost, as, by ordering the lines of the divisions
doubled, they were ready when the trail was found, and
the march continued in double line. At daylight we
entered the Plank road, and filed down towards the field
of strife of the afternoon of the 5th and daylight of
the 6th.
R. H. Anderson's division of the Third Corps, march-
ing on the Plank road, had rested at Verdierville during
the night, and was called to the front in the morning.
M) FROM MAXAHSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Tlu; divisions of Hetli and AVilcox rested duriug tlie night
nf \h{\ otli Avliore tli<> battle of tluit day ceased, but did
not j)repare anununition nor strengthen their lines for
defence, l)ecause informed that thev were to be relieved
from i\w front. IJoth the division commandei*s claim that
tliev were to be relieved, and tliat thev were ordered not
to intrench or replenish sup])lies. So it sc*ems that they
were all night within hearing of the voices of Hancock's
men, not even reorganizing their lines so as to offer a
front of battle ! General Heth has stated that he proposeil
to arrange for battle, but was ordered to give his men
rest. While Hancock was sending men to his advanced
line during the night and intrenching there and on his
second line, the Confederates were all night idle.
Hancock advanced and struck the divisions before sun-
rise, just as mv command rejmrted to General l-ice. My
line was formed on the right and left of the Plank road,
Kershaw on the right. Field on the left. As the line
deployed, the divisions of Heth and Wilcox came back
upon us in disorder, more and more confused as their steps
hurried under Hancock's musketry. As my ranks formed
the men broke files to give free passage for their comrades
to the rear. The advancing fire was getting brisk, but
not a shot was fired in return by my trooj^s until the
divisions were ready. Three of Field's brigades, the
Texas, Ahd)ama, and Benning's Georgia, were formed in
line on the left of the road, and three of Kershaw's on
the right. General Lee, appalled at the condition of
affairs, thought to lead the Texas brigade alone into
desperate cliarge, before my lines were well formed. The
ordeal was trying, but the steady troops, seeing him off
his balance, refused to follow, begged him to retire, and
pres(?ntly Colonel Venable, of his staff, reported to me
General Lee's efforts to lead the brigade, and suggested
that I should trv to call him from it. I asked that he
would say, with my compliments, that his line would be
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 561
recovered iu au hour if he would permit me to handle the
troops, but if my services were not needed, I would like
to ride to some place of safety, as it was not quite com-
fortable where we were.
As full lines of battle could not be handled through the
thick wood, I ordered the advance of the six brigades by
heavy skirmish lines, to be followed by stronger support-
ing lines. Hancock's lines, thinned by their push through
the wood, and somewhat by the fire of the disordered
divisions, weaker than my line of fresh and more lively
skirmishers, were checked by our first steady, rolling fire,
and after a brisk fusillade were pushed back to their
intrenched line, when the fight became steady and very
firm, occasionally swinging parts of my line back and
compelling the reserves to move forward and recover it.
General Lee sent General M. L. Smith, of the engi-
neers, to report to me. He was ordered through the wood
on my right to the unfinished railroad to find a way
around the left of the enemy's line, while we engaged his
front. R. H. Anderson's division of the Third Corps
came up about eight o'clock and was ordered to report to
me.
Hancock's early advance was under a general order in-
cluding the Army of the Potomac. The Ninth Corps
that liad been called up reported to General Grant, and
was ordered in between the Plank and Turnpike roads.
At eight o'clock Hancock was reinforced by Stevenson's
division of the Ninth, and Wadsworth of the Fifth was
put under his orders. At nine o'clock he attacked with
Wadsworth's, Birney's, Stevenson's, and Mott's divisions,
and the brigades of Webb, Carroll, and Owen, of Gibbon's
division, making as formidable battle as could be organ-
ized in the wood, but the tangle thinned his lines and our
fire held him in desperate engagement.
Two divisions of the Ninth Corps, at the same time
marching for Parker's Store, were encountered between
r>()2 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
the Plank and Turnpike roads by our Second Corps
(Eweirs). Under this combination the forces struggled
an hour at the extreme tension of skill and valor.
About ten o'clock General Smith returned and reported
favorably of his reconnoissance : that the heavy woodland
concealed the route of the proposed flank march, and that
there was no force of the enemy in observation. Han-
cock's left on the Brock road was in strong, well-guarded
position, but there was room along its front for our troops
to march near the unfinished railroad beyond view of that
left on the Brock road.
General Smith was then asked to take a small party
and pass beyond the Brock road and find a way for turn-
ing the extreme Union left on that road. There were two
brigades of Field's division and one of Kershaw's not on
the line of battle, but on flank march as supports, and
R. H. Anderson's division of the Third Corps. Colonel
Sorrel, chief of staff*, was ordered to conduct three
brigades, G. T. Anderson's of Field's, Mahone's of R. H.
Anderson's, and Woffbrd's of Kershaw's division, by the
route recommended by General Smith, have them faced
to the left, and marched down against Hancock's left.
Davis's brigade of the Third Corps also got into this
command.
As soon as the troops struck Hancock his line began to
break, first slowly, then rapidly. Somehow, as they
retreated, a fire was accidentally started in the dry leaves,
and began to spread as the Confederates advanced.
Mahone's brigade approached the burning leaves and
part of it broke off* a little to get around, but the Twelfth
Virginia was not obstructed by the blaze and moved
directly on. At the Plank road Colonel Sorrel rode back
to join us. All of the enemy's battle on the right of the
Plank road was broken up, and General Field was fight-
ing severely with his three brigades on the left against
Wadsworth and Stevenson, pushing them a little.
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 563
Tlie Twelfth Virginia Regiment got to the Plank road
some little time before the other regiments of the brigade,
and, viewing the contention on the farther side between
Field's and Wadsworth's divisions, dashed across and
struck the left of Wadsworth's line. This relieved Field
a little, and, under this concentrating push and fire,
Wadsworth fell mortally wounded. In a little while fol-
lowed the general break of the Union battle. The break
of his left had relieved Kershaw's troops, and he was
waiting for the time to advance, and Jenkins's brigade
that had been held in reserve and that part of R. H.
Anderson's division not in use were ready and anxious
for opportunity to engage, and followed as our battle line
pushed forward.
General Smith then came and reported a way across
the Brock road that would turn Hancock's extreme left.
He was asked to conduct the flanking brigades and handle
them as the ranking ofiicer. He was a splendid tactician
as well as skilful engineer, and gallant withal. He started,
and, not to lose time or distance, moved by inversion,
Woffbrd's left leading, Wofford's favorite manoeuvre. As
Wofford's left stepped out, the other troops moved down
the Plank road, Jenkins's brigade by the road, Kershaw's
division alongside. I rode at the head of the column,
Jenkins, Kershaw, and the staff with me. After discuss-
ing the dispositions of their troops for reopening battle,
Jenkins rode closer to offer congratulations, saying, " I
am happy ; I have felt despair of the cause for some
months, but am relieved, and feel assured that we will put
the enemy back across the Rapidan before night." Little
did he or I think these sanguine words were the last he
would utter.
When Wadsworth fell the Union battle broke up in
hasty retreat. Field's brigades closed to fresh ranks, the
flanking brigades drew into line near the Plank road, and
with them the other regiments of Mahone's brigade ; but
5<U FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
the Twelftli Regiment, some distance in advance of the
others, had crossed the road to strike at Wadsworth's left
before tlie other regiments were in sight, and was return-
ing to find its place in line. The order for the flanking
brigades to resume march by their left had not moved
those brigades of the right. As the Twelfth Regiment
marched back to find its place on the other side of the
Plank road, it was mistaken, in the wood, for an advance
of the enemy, and fire was opened on it from the other
regiments of the brigade. The men threw themselves to
the ground to let the fire pass. Just then our party of
ofiicers was up and rode under the fire. General Jenkins
had not finished the expressions of joyful congratulations
which I have quoted when he fell mortally wounded.
Captain Doby and the orderly, Bowen, of Kershaw's
staff, were killed. General Kershaw turned to quiet the
troops, when Jenkins's brigade with levelled guns were in
the act of returning the fire of the supposed enemy con-
cealed in the wood, but as Kershaw's clear voice called
out ^^ F-r-i-e-n-d'S r the arms were recovered, without a
shot in return, and the men threw themselves down upon
their faces.
At the moment that Jenkins fell I received a severe
shock from a minie ball passing through my throat and
right shoulder. The blow lifted me from the saddle, and
my right arm dropped to my side, but I settled back to my
seat, and started to ride on, when in a minute the flow of
blood admonished me that my work for the day was done.
As I turned to ride back, members of the staff, seeing me
about to fall, dismounted and lifted me to the ground.
Orders were given General Field, the senior ofiicer
present, to push on before the enemy could have time to
rally. The two lines marching along the Plank road,
southward, in pursuit, and the flanking brigades to move
in the other direction, were, for the moment, a little per-
plexing, as he was not accurately advised of the combina-
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 565
tions, but he grasped the situatiou. Before he was pre-
pared, however, General R. H. Anderson came into com-
mand as senior, and then General Lee came up. The
plans, orders, and opportunity were explained to him, but
the woods concealed everytliing except the lines of troops
alongside the road. General Lee did not care to handle the
troops in broken lines, and ordered formation in a general
line for parallel battle. The change in the forest tangle
consumed several hours of precious time, and gave General
Hancock time to collect his men into battle order, post his
heavy reinforcements, and improve his intrenchments.
After several hours of work our new line was finally
adjusted and ordered forward. It approached the enemy's
stronghold (in ranks a little thinned by the march through
the wood and the enemy's fire), made desperate and re-
peated chargc3, and Jenkins's gallant brigade mounted
their breastworks, but the solid ranks behind them threw
it off, with the lines that essayed to give it support, and
the whole were forced back from their fight. Thus the
battle, lost and won three times during the day, wore
itself out.
General Ewell found opportunity before night to push
some of his brigades around the enemy's right, and did
clever work in taking a number of prisoners, — Generals
Seymour and Shaler among them, — but it was too late in
the day to follow his work with a strong fight. He han-
dled his troops with skill and care, putting defensive works
before them whenever they halted.
Like attention by General Hancock may be noted ;
while in marked contrast was the conduct of the Third
Corps after their afiair on the afternoon of the 5th. The
commanders of the leading divisions of the Third had
proposed to prepare their troops for the next day, but
were ordered to give their men rest,* and told that they
* General Heth's personal account.
Obb FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
were to be relieved and withdrawn from the battle. Not
even a line of battle was formed, so that they were in
disorder when they were struck in the morning, and
speedily fell into confusion.
My command, less than ten thousand, had found the
battle on the Plank road in retreat, little less than a
panic. In a few hours we changed defeat to victory,
the broken divisions of the Third Corps rallymg in
their rear.
As my litter was borne to the rear my hat was placed
over my face, and soldiers by the road-side said, " He is
dead, and they are telling us he is only wounded." Hear-
ing this repeated from time to time, I raised my hat with
my left hand, when the burst of voices and the flying of
hats in the air eased my pains somewhat.
But Micah Jenkins, who fell by the same fire, was no
more. He was one of the most estimable characters of
the army. His taste and talent were for military service.
He was intelligent, quick, untiring, attentive, zealous in
discharge of duty, truly faithful to ofiicial obligations,
abreast with the foremost in battle, and withal a humble,
noble Christian. In a moment of highest earthly hope
he was transported to serenest heavenly joy ; to that life
beyond that knows no bugle call, beat of drum, or clash
of steel. May his beautiful spirit, through the mercy of
God, rest in peace ! Amen !
^^ L^auddcCj Vaudacey toujours Tauddcey An Ameri-
canism which seems an appropriate substitute is, A level
heady a level heady always a level head. With patience to
wait ten minutes to see my flanking brigades stretched out
on their march to retrieve my aplomby we could have found
a good battle against Hancock's strong left, while we broke
over his confused front. Fearing another change of plan,
I hurried on to execute before it could be ordered.
There were twenty-two thousand men in the Third
Corps. It is not claiming too much, therefore, to say that
-»^»
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. Ol>/
that corps, carefully prepared during the night of the
5th, could have held Hancock's battle on the morning
of the 6th.
Under these conditions events support the claim that
the Third Corps, intrenched in their advanced position,
with fresh supplies and orders to hold their ground, could
have received and held against Hancock's early battle
until my command could have come in on his left rear
and completed a strongly organized battle by which we
could have carried the Wilderness, even down and into
the classic Rapidan.
General Field says, in his account of the day, —
'^ I was at Longstreet's side in a moment^ and in answer to my
anxious inquiry as to his condition, he replied that he would be
looked after by others, and directed me to take command of the
corps and push ahead. Though at this moment he could not have
known the extent or character of his wounds (that they were
severe was apparent), he seemed to forget himself in the absorbing
interest of the movement he was making.
^^Had our advance not been suspended by this disaster, I have
always believed that Grant would have been driven across the
Bapidan before night ; but General Lee was present, and ordered
that our line, which was nearly a right angle (my division being
the base, and Kershaw's and the other flanking force the perpen-
dicular), should first be straightened out. The difficulty of
manoeuvring through the brush made this a tedious operation, so
that when we did advance with large reinforcements from EwelPs
corps placed under my orders, the enemy was found awaiting us
behind new breastworks, thoroughly prepared."
Colonel Fairfax says, —
*'On reaching the line of troops you were taken off the horse
and propped against a tree. You blew the bloody foam from
your mouth and said, ^ Tell General Field to take command, and
move forward with the whole force and gain the Brock road,' but
hours were lost" *
• Letter to the writer.
5(58 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
A Northern historian says, —
*^It seemed, indeed, that irretrievable disaster was upon us ;
but in the very torrent and tempest of the attack it suddenly
ceased and all was still. What could cause this surcease of effort
at the very height of success was then wholly unknown to us." *
Some years after the affair on the Plank road, Greneral
Hancock said to me, —
'^ You rolled me up like a wet blanket, and it was some hours
before I could reorganize for battle."
He explained that reinforcements crowding up through
the wood, the retreating troops, and confusion caused by-
mixing in with wagon-trains and horses, made a trouble-
some tangle, but it was unravelled and his troops at rest
when the final attack was made. He had sixty thousand
men in hand.
Bad as was being shot by some of our own troops in the
battle of the Wilderness, — that was an honest mistake, one
of the accidents of war, — ^being shot at, since the war,
by many oflficers, was worse. Fitzhugh Lee wrote of me
in the Southern Historical Society papers, vol. v., No. 4,
April, 1878, saying, among other things, "He lost his
way and reached the Wilderness twenty-four hours behind
time."
Now, from Mechanicsville to Parker's Store by our line
of march was thirty-four miles, — by the Plank road,
thirty-five ; from Parker's Store to the battle, three miles.
From the time of our march to going into battle was thirty-
six hours, including all of two nights. Deducting twenty-
four hours alleged as lost leaves twelve hours, including
all night of the 4th, for the march of thirty-seven miles !
His logic and method of injury remind one of the
French teacher who, when out of patience with the boys,
used to say, " I will give you zero and mark you absent
* Decisive Battles of the War, Swinton, p. 378.
99
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 569
Another report started by Fitzhugh Lee as coming from
his cousin, G. W. C. Lee, was that General Lee said that
he " sent an officer to Longstreet to stay with and show
him the roads/'
This, like all other reported sayings of General Lee in
regard to me, was not published until after General Lee's
death. When it was first published I wrote General G.
W. C. Lee for the name of the officer sent. He referred
me to the members of General Leie's staff. Not one of
them knew of the circumstance or the officer, but referred
me to General Lee's engineers. After long search I found
the engineers and applied for information, but not one of
them knew anything of the alleged fact. I had the letters
published as an advertisement for the officer who was
claimed as my guide. No response came. I inquired of
the members of the staff. First Corps ; not one had seen or
heard of such a person. The quartermaster. Colonel
Taylor, who was ordered to secure a competent guide at
the first moment of receipt of orders to march, reported
of the matter thus :
"Meadow Fabm, Obange Coubt-House,
"Julyl, 1879.
" Oexebal James Longstreet :
^*Deab General, —Your favor of the 30th ultimo is this mo-
ment to hand, and I reply at once. I think General Fitzhugh
Lee entirely in error as to any engineer or other officer being sent
to guide you in the spring of 1864 from your camp near Gordons-
ville to the Wilderness. I well remember your sending for me,
and directing me to procure a guide for you, which I did after
some difficulty in the person of Mr. James Kobinson, the then
sheriff of the county. I saw no such person, nor can I think
that any such was at any time at our quarters before we broke
camp.
** Sincerely yours,
^'Erasmus Taylor."
These eflforts to secure one witness in support of the
allegation, or rather to prove a negation, were all that oe-
570 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
curred to me at the time, and now I can think of but one
more chance, which is for Fitzhugh Lee to offer a liberal
reward. It is not probable that he would fail to find a
false witness who could answer for a time to support the
false charges.
It may be added that the accounts of the march by
other oflBcers agree with mine, as already given. I
present here a letter from General Alexander and an
extract from one written me by Colonel Venable. The
former says, —
^^ Augusta, Ga., June 12, 1879.
** My dear General, — Absence prevented an earlier response
to your favor of the 5th. My recollection of the events is as fol-
lows : My command, the artillery, got orders to move about noon
on May 4, 1864, being in camp near Mechanicsville, some four or
five miles west of Gordonsville. We marched about four p.m., and
with only short rests all night and all next day till about five p.m. ,
when we halted to rest and bivouac at a point which I cannot re-
member; but our cavalry had had a skirmish there with the
enemy's cavalry just before our arrival, and I remember seeing
some killed and wounded of each side. Your whole corps, Hood's
and McLaws's, and the artillery, I think, was concentrated at that
point, and my recollection is that we had orders to move on
during the night, or before daylight the next morning, to get on
the enemy's left fiank on the Brock road.
'^But whatever the orders were, I remember distinctly that
during the night news of the fight on the Plank road came, and
with it a change of orders, and that we marched at one A.M.,
or earlier, and turned to the left and struck the Plank road at
Parker's Store, and pushed rapidly do'wn it to where the battle
had already begun. I remember, too, that the march was so hur-
ried that at one point, the head of the leading division (I forget
which it was, however) having lost a little distance by taking the
wrong road, the rear division was not allowed to halt, but pushed
right on, so that it got abreast of the leading division, and the
two came down the road side by side, filling the whole road and
crowding the retreating men of the divisions which were being
driven back into the woods on each side.
** These are facts as I recollect them, and while I don't know
what your ordei^s were, I remember that there was a change in
them during the night, according to my understanding, and that
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 571
the change was as promptly and vigorously and successfully car-
ried out as time and distance could possibly permit. There was
certainly no loss of time from the moment we received orders to the
moment we went under fire in the Wilderness, as the distance
covered will show.
'* Very truly yours,
"E. P. Alexander.
^'General Longstreet."
Colonel Venable writes, —
"July 25, 1879.
*' Dear General, — . . . Well, the morning came. The enemy
attacked Wilcox and Heth before your arrival. Disaster seemed
imminent. I was sent to meet you and hasten your march. I
met your two divisions within less than half a mile of the battle-
field coming up in parallel columns very rapidly (I was going to
say in double-quick) on the Plank road, side by side, and that
they came in grandly, forming line of battle, Kershaw on the
right and Field on the left, restoring the battle. It was superb,
and my heart beats quicker to think about it even at this distance
of time. . . .
" Yours, very truly,
** Charles S. Venable.
"General Longstreet."
CHAPTER XXXIX,
AGAIN IX FRONT OF RICHMOND.
LongBtreet absent on Leave, nursing liis Wounds— Hears of the Death
of Cavalry Leader J. £. B. Stuart — Returns to Virginia— Assigned to
Command on the North Bide of James River— AfTair on the Wil-
liamsburg Road — Lee's Apprehension of Grant's March into Rich-
mond— Closing Scenes of the Campaign of 1864 about the Confederate
Capital— General Benjamin F. Butler's Move against Fort Fisher —
Remote Effects on the Situation in Virginia.
From the Wilderneas I was taken to the Meadow Farm
home of my friend Erasmus Taylor, and carefiilly nursed
by his charming wife until put on board of a train for
Lynchburg and taken to my good kinswoman, Mrs. Car-
oline Garland, who had lost her only son and child, Gen-
eral Samuel Garland, killed two years before at South
Mountain. From her hospitable home, when strong
enough for a ride in the fresh air, I was taken to the
home of a cherished friend, Colonel John D. Alexander,
at Campbell Court-House. But a raiding party rode
through the village early one morning, which suggested a
change, and I was taken to my kinsfolk, the Sibleys, at
Augusta, Georgia, and after a time to other good friends,
the Harts and Daniels, at and near Union Point, on the
Georgia Railroad.
Before I was strong enough to sit more than a few
minutes news came of the change of commanders in the
Army of Georgia, — the superseding of General Joseph E.
Johnston by assignment of General J. B. Hood, and I
was asked to take command of the corps left vacant by
assignment of General Hood. Answer was made that
when able for duty I would be prepared to obey orders.
Later came sadder news from Virginia announcing the
fall of our Cavalier J. E. B. Stuart. The most famous
672
AGAIX IX FRONT OF RICHMOND. 573
American rider fell mortally wounded on the 18th of
May, 1864, near Yellow Tavern, in a cavalry engagement
with General Sheridan, just then budding into fame.
Stuart, endowed by nature with the gifts that go to make
a perfect cavalryman, improved and cultivated through
years of active warfare, experience, and discipline, was
the embodiment of all that goes to make up the ideal sol-
dierly character, — the bold, dashing dragoon. His death
was possibly a greater loss to the Confederate army even
than that of the swift-moving General " Stonewall" Jack-
son. Through all the vicissitudes of war he held his
troopers beside him peerless in prowess and discipline.
After his fall their decline came swifter than their up-
building had been accomplished by his magic hand.
In society he was gay, bright, and genial, abstemious to
a degree. In idle hours of week-days he was fond of his
banjo-player. Sweeny, but he was devout withal, and to
him the grandest, sweetest music was " Rock of Ages."
To this day that sublime air never fails to bring before
my mind's vision his noble figure. May his great spirit
rest near " The Rock of Ages" always ! Amen !
About the 1st of October I was strong enough to ride
horseback, and aft;er a little practice, and having Income
weary of idle hours, took leave of wife and children,
and travelled back to Richmond to find our great com-
mander and his noble followers.
The general seemed worn by past labor, besides suifer-
ing at seasons from severe sciatica, while his work was
accumulating and his troubles multiplying to proportions
that should have employed half a dozen able men. The
military staff of his head-quarters was made up of excel-
lent, intelligent, active, zealous young men, more than
anxious to anticipate his wants and to meet their official
obligations, and it is a source of gratification to write that
they were efficient, affectionate, admirable, and polite.
.not justify like commendation of the pur-
r>7i FItOM MA\AS8AS TO A1M»0MATT()X.
veying department. Complaints had been made early in
the war and continued of our inefficient subsistence de-
partment at Richmond. The diminishing resources of
the country called for exceptionally earnest, methodical
business faculties in that department, but, unfortunately,
as our resources became more circumscribed, the officers,
instead of putting forth stronger efforts in their business,
seemed to lose the energy of their former service, and
General Lee found himself called upon to feed as well
as fight his army. Although anxious to assist in his
severe trials, and relieve him of part of his work, I
feared that he might think a cripple an additional in-
cumbrance, and wrote the chief of staff, —
*' Randolph's House,
^*Neak Richmond, Va., October 18, 1864.
'^Colonel W. H. Taylor,
'* Asmtant Adjutant- General:
^^ Sir,— T have not reported formally for duty, because I doubted
the propriety of being assigned, in my crippled condition, to posi-
tion now filled by officers of vigorous health. If I can be of service
in any position, I prefer to go to duty. If there is nothing to
which I can be assigned on this side of the Mississippi River,
without displacing an efficient officer, I will cheerfully accept
servic^e in the Trans Mississippi Department.
**The doctoi-s give me little reason to hope to recover the use
of my arm even within a year ; hence my desire to be assigned
for duty, or to have an extended leave of absence.
^^ Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"J. LONGSTREET,
'* lAeatenard-GeneralJ^
An order came assigning me to command on the north
side of James River and Drury's Bluff, and Pickett's
division on the south side, along Bermuda Hundred front
as far as Swift Creek. On the north side were the local
defence troops under Lieutenant-General Ewell, and
Hoke's and Field's divisions and Gary's brigade of one
thousand cavalry.
AGAIN IN FRONT OF RICHMOND. 575
There had been severe fighting on tliat side a few days
previous, in an attack of the Federals upon Fort Harrison
of our line, which resulted in the capture of the fort ; then
a more desperate fight of the Confederates to recover it,
which was not successful. The loss of Fort Harrison
broke our line off a little near the river, and caused a
new line to be taken from that point to our left, where it
joined the line occupied in 1862, when General McClellan
was against us. The line of the north side extended from
Chapin's Bluff on the James River, by Fort Gilmer,
across north of White Oak Swamp to the vicinity of the
Chickahominy at New Bridge. Hoke's and Field's
divisions occupied the line from Fort Gilmer, covering
Charles City road on the left, and Gary's cavalry had a
strong picket force on the Nine Miles road, w ith vedettes,
to guard and patrol the west side of the swam}) and
the south side of the Chickahominy. The crossings of
the swamp were heavily obstructed by fallen timber. The
batteries at Chapin's and Drury's Bluffs were manned by
officers of the navy and sailors, and other organized artil-
lery and infantry, and the local defence contingent lined
out towards Fort Gilmer. My men had become experts
in fortifying, so that parapets and dams along the front
grew apace. Our officers during their experience in East
Tennessee had become skilled as foragers, and soon began
to find in nooks and corners of Northern Virginia food
and forage which relieved General Lee of the trouble of
supplying the men on the north side, and my troops were
beginning to feel comfortable. But there were more
serious embarrassments on the south side, and desertions
were becoming more numerous from day to day.
Towards the latter part of October, General Grant con-
ceived a plan by which he proposed to extend and advance
his left, so as to get the Southside Railroad and connect
this new point with his line of intrenchments. At the
same time he thought to have General Butler on his ex-
''7<J FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
InMiic right break through the linens on the north side into
llichnioMcl. Vor his left attack he ordered the Second
(.'orps, uncU'r Hancock, to 1^ supiK)rteil by parts of the
Fifth and Ninth Corps. General Lee had his Third
(*orp.s (A. P. IlilTrt), Heth's and Wilcox's divisions and
Ma hone's in reserve. Hancock's advance was met by
Mahone's division, and the entire march of the different
connnands was arrested after a severe rencounter, in which
Mahonc* got a number of prisoners and some pieces of
artill(?ry, — the latter not brought off', as the enemy held
the bridge.
According to the rei)orts of the Adjutant-Grenerars Office
the FiHl(»ral losses were 1284. The Confederate losses
were not accumtely accounted for, but the Federal accounts
clainuul two hundred prisoners taken at one time, and
other losses etpial to their Qwn.
I was informed of tro<^j)s crossing the bridge to the
north side on the 'Joth, and that the crossings continued
i»t intervals till after the night of the 2Gth. The plan of
o|>erations contemplated that Genend Butler should have
''twenty thousand men north of the James where Long-
street was now in conunand."* These were parts of the
Tenth and Kighttvnth Corps, commanded by Generals
Terrv antl Weitzel. General Terrv wjis to make a fierce
denionstratiim ajxainst our front alonsi: the Darbv and
Charhv (^Itv roads witli the Tenth, while Genend Weitzel
was to maroh the Kighteenlh across White Oak Swamp
and get in the uiuHVupied lints on the Williamsburg road,
or In^twivn that and Garv's I'-avalrv on the Nine Miles
n^id.
Ivu'lv on the 27lh, General Terrv moved out with the
Tenth l\u*|vi and maile demonsinition for formidable at-
tack, pulling his infantry in sharp i>ractiiV along the
outer i\l^\» of our al^uis, aiul his artillery in praotioo near
• MiUtur>* Hi*tor\ of l\ S V%nint. fiadoau.
AGAIX IN FRONT OF RICHMOND. 577
the roads. Our sharp-shooters opened in reply from be-
hind their breastworks and held a lively rattle of musketry
for quite a time. The delay in making more serious work
told me that some other was the point of danger, which
must mean the unoccupied lines beyond White Oak
Swamp. Field was ordered to pull his division out of
the works and march for the Williamsburg road, Hoke to
cover the line of Field by extending and doubling his
sharp-shooters.
When the head of Greneral Field's column got to the
Williamsburg road the enemy's skirmishers were deployed
and half-way across the field approaching our line. Just
behind the trenches was a growth of pines which con-
cealed our troops until a line of sharp-shooters stepped
into the works. Their fire surprised the enemy somewhat,
as they had seen nothing but part of Grary's cavalry,
and their skirmish line gave up the field for their heavy
infantry.
The open in front of the breastworks was about six
hundred yards wide and twelve hundred in length, ex-
tending from the York River Railroad on the north to a
ditch draining towards the head of White Oak Swamp on
the south. About midway of the field is a slight depres-
sion or swale of five or six feet.
Quickly following the repulse of the skirmish line, and
just as Field had adjusted the infantry and artillery to
their trenches, came the Eighteenth Corps bursting into
the open and deploying on both sides of the road in solid
ranks. They were at once in fair canister range, and soon
under the terrific fire of a solid line of infantry, — in-
fantry so experienced that they were not likely to throw
as much as one bullet without well-directed aim. At the
first fire they began to drop, and they fell more rapidly
until they reached the swale, when the entire line dropped
to the ground. They had just enough cover there for
' their bodies as they spread themselves closely to the
87
r)7«S PROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
grouiul, but not enough to permit them to load or ri«e to
deliver fire without exposing their j)ersons to our fire.
To attempt to r(»treat would have been as disastrous as
to advance ; so they were entrapped.
. General Gary reported that the field of the Nine Miles
road was clear, and was ordered to come in on the flank
of the entrapped infantry and order surrender ; but before
he was there another rejx)rt reached him of a formidable
force advancing against his squadron on the Nine Miles
road. He was sent on a gallop to meet this. Meanwhile,
tlie troops hiding under the swell of ground found ways
to drop off on their right under the railroad cut, and
many others got away down the dry ditch on their left,
until Captain Lyle, of the Fifth South Carolina Regiment,
got a force out on the flank and secured the surrender of
the remainder. He picked up about six hundred pris-
oners.
General Gary's guard on the Nine Miles road held an
oju^n work by a section of artillery and a squadron of
cavahy. The advance against it was so well executed,
and our cavalry so interested in the operations on the Wil-
liamsbnig roa<l, that the guard w^as tiiken by surprise and
]>ushed away from its post by the first attack, losing its
field-works and a piece of artillery. Gary soon made
amends for the careless watch by dismounting his brigade
and marching in line of battle at right angles to the line
of the enemy, striking him in flank, recovering the lost
cannon, and driving him back the way he came. Under
cover of the night the Federals returned to their fortified
lines, w^here they were as strong as were the lines held by
the Confederates in their front.
The Confederates lost : Field's division, 45 ; Gary's
cavalry, 8; artillery, 11; total, 64. Federal "losses,
killed, wounded, and missing, 1103."*
* Virginia Campaigns, 1864-65, by General A. A. Humphreys, Army
of the Potomac.
AGAIN IN FkoNT OF RICHMOND. 570
General Grant sent orders to have tlie positions gained
by his left held and intrenched, but they were abandoned
because they were weak in the too extended line.
After the loss of Fort Harrison, General Lee became
more anxious for his line on the north side, and rode out
to witness the operations on that front, under the threat-
ening of Butler's forces ; and as our cavalry had made no
report of the enemy crossing the swamp, he was not
quite satisfied to have the troops moved over to the Wil-
liamsburg road, but did not order them retained. His
idea was that the north side was the easier route of Grant's
triumphal march into Richmond, and that sooner or later
he would make his eflfort there in great force.
These were the closing scenes between the armies about
Richmond and Petersburg for the year 1864. The de-
feat of General Early in the Valley of Virginia on the
19th of October concluded active work in that quarter.
Most of Sheridan's infantry was sent back to the Army
of the Potomac, and the greater part of Early's to the
Army of Northern Virginia.
Kershaw's division of the First Corps had been left
with General Early for his battle of the 19th of October.
In his account of the battle. General Early alludes to its
outcome and finality as a causeless panic started by the
break of his left division under General Gordon, followed
by Kershaw's and other troops. It is sufficient for this
writing to say that the general called the rout " thorough
and disgraceful, mortifying beyond measure: we had
within our grasp a great and glorious victory, and lost it
by the uncontrollable propensity of our men for plun-
der." *
Kershaw's division was restored to duty with the First
Corps in November.
Late in December I was informed of a move of the
* General Early's official account.
•ISO FROM MANASSAS To AIM'OMATTOX.
enemy's land and naval forces for Fort Fisher about
Wilmington harbor. The information was despatched to
General Lee at Petersburg, and brought a midnight order
for me to send Hoke's division to Wilmington. Hoke
was relieved and on the move before daylight. General
Bragg was relieved of duty at Richmond and ordered to
Wilmington.
General Butler was in command of the land forces and
Admiral Porter of the navy. Between them, or under
the direction of one or the other, was the steamer " Louis-
iana," freighted with about two hundred and fifty tons of
gunpowder intended to blow up Fort Fisher. But its only
tangible effect was to relieve the commander of the land
forces from further service in the field.
In Georgia, General Hood led his army off from the
front of General Sherman at Atlanta, and marched west
and north, and the latter took up his line of march south
for Savannah on the IGth of November.
These moves brought Sherman's army into remote
bearing upon our army at Richmond, and as a matter of
course it began to receive more careful attention from
General Lee. In order to better guard our position on the
north side, I ordered, in addition to the timber obstruc-
tions over White Oak Swamp, the roads leading around
towards our left to be broken up by subsoil ploughs, so as
to make greater delay of any movements in that direction
during the winter rains, and wrote to ask General Lee if
he could not order the roads upon which General Grant
would probably march against the Southside Railroad
broken in the same way ; also suggesting that the roads
in Georgia upon which General Sherman was marching
could be obstructed in this and other ways so as to delay
and annoy his march, with the possibility that it might
eventually be broken up.
The pickets along our lines were in more or less prac-
tice shooting at each other from their rifle-pits until I
AGAIN IN FRONT OF RICHMOND. 581
ordered it stopped on the north end of the line, as an an-
noyance, and not a legitimate part of war to carry on the
shooting of sentinels on guard duty. The example was
soon followed by the army on our front, so that the men
on the picket lines became friendly, and afterwards came
to mutual agreements to give the other side notice, in case
of battle, in time for the pickets to get to their pits be-
fore the batteries could open on them. Before the winter
was half gone the pickets established quite a bartering
trade, giving tobacco for sugar and coffee.
Our foraging parties of the north side were fortunate
in collecting supplies, and at times were in condition to
aid our comrades of the south side. But the officers
found that they could only get a small portion of the pro-
duce by impressment or tax in kind. They were ordered
to locate all supplies that they could not collect.
The chief of staff of the First Corps, Colonel Sorrel,
was appointed brigadier-general, and relieved of his duties
by Colonel Osmun Latrobe.
The Army of Tennessee, under General Hood, pur-
suing its march northward late in November and early in
December, came upon the Federal forces under General
Schofield at Franklin, and General Thomas at Nash-
ville, Tennessee, where desperate battles were fought,
until Hood's army was reduced to skeleton commands
and forced to retreat. And thus with Sherman's pro-
gressive movements in the extreme South, our own ill
success in Virginia, and an apparent general strengthen-
ing of the Federal cause, the year 18G4 drew to a close
with little of happy omen for the Confederacy.
CHAPTER XL.
TALK OF PEACE.
Second Federal Move against Fort Fisher and Wilmington Harbor —
Confederate Disaffection — Act of Congress appointing a Supreme
Commander of the Armies— Montgomery Blair's Peace Conference —
Longstreethiis a Meeting witli General Ord, Commander of the Army
of the James — Military Convention projxised— Corrt*spondence Iw-
tween C*eneral Grant and General I^ee— I jongwt reel's Suggestions for
Measures in the Critieul Juncture near the Close of the War.
The second expedition against Wilmington was sent in
January, 1865, General Terrv coininandin<]: tlie land and
Rear- Admiral Porter the naval forces. After very des-
perate work the fort and outworks were carried, the com-
mander. General Whiting, being mortally and Colonel
Lamb severely wounded. All points of the harbor were
captured by the enemy, the Confederates losing, besides
most of the armaments of the forts, about two thousand
five hundred officers and men in killed, wounded, and
prisoners. General Terry's loss was about five hundred.
A remarkable success, — the storming of a position fortified
during months and years of laboi* and by most approved
engineering.*
As the first months of 1865 passed, the Confederate
Congress realized the extreme tension of affairs, and pro-
vided, among other expedients, for the enrollment of
n(»groes as Confederate soldiers. Other measures for
giving confidence and strength to the cause were adopted.
On the 21st of January the Confederate President was
informed of disaffection in the Virginia Legislature, and.
* One of our \vt»oklie.s nnnoinifocl, upon lenrnlnp that General Bragg
was orderiMl tluTo, "We nn«lrrslancl that (icnrral Brafi^g is ordered to
"NVilniinjrt<»n. (io<»d-l»y, Wilmington I"
68:^
TALK OF PEACE. 583
what was more significant, in the Confederate Congress,
where a resolution expressive of want of confidence in the
Chief Executive was under informal consideration, and
would undoubtedly pass by a large vote if introduced.
At this critical juncture it seems that a compromise was
eflfected. It was agreed that Congress should enact a
law providing a supreme commander of the Confederate
armies, this law to be approved by the President, who
should then call General Lee to the exercise of the func-
tions of that office. The intention was to invest him with
dictatorial power.
During the early days of February, Hon. Montgomery
Blair visited Richmond upon a mission of peace, and
brought about a meeting at Hampton Roads between
President Lincoln and Secretary Seward and the Confed-
erate Vice-President, Alexander H. Stephens, and the
Hon. R. M. T. Hunter and Judge J. A. Campbell. Presi-
dent Lincoln was firm for the surrender of the Confed-
erate armies and the abolition of slavery, which the Con-
federate President did not care to consider.
About the 15th of February, Major-General J. C.
Breckenridge was appointed Secretary of War, and Briga-
dier-General F. M. St. John was appointed commissary-
general of subsistence.
General Ord, commanding the Army of the James, sent
me a note on the 20th of February to say that the bar-
tering between our troops on the picket lines was irregu-
lar ; that he would be pleased to meet me and arrange to
put a stop to such intimate intercourse. As a soldier he
knew his orders would stop the business ; it was evident,
therefore, that there was other matter he would intro-
duce when the meeting could be had. I wrote in reply,
appointing a time and place between our lines.
We met the next day, and presently he asked for a side
interview. When he spoke of the purpose of the meeting,
motioned a simple manner of correcting the matter,
.kSI KKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
which ho accepted without objection or amendment. Then
he spoke of affairs military and political.
lleferrins: to the rewnt conference of the Confederates
with President Lincoln at Hampton Roads, he said tliat
the politicians of the North were afraid to touch the ques-
tion of peace, and there was no way to open the subject
exc(»pt through oflicers of the armies. On his side they
thought the war had gone on long enough ; that we should
come together as former comrades and friends and talk a
little, lie suggesteil that the work as belligerents should
be suspended ; that General Grant and Greneral Lee
should meet and have a talk ; that my wife, who was an
ohl acquaintance and friend of Mrs. Grant in their girl-
hood days, should go into the Union lines and visit Mrs.
(J rant with as many Confederate officers as might choose
to be with her. Then Mrs. Grant would return the call
under escort of Union officers and visit Richmond ; that
while CJeneral Lee and General Grant were arranging for
blotter feeling between the armies, they could be aided by
intiTcourse between the ladies and officers until terms
honorable to both sides could be found.
I told (leneral Ord that I was not authorized to speak
on the sulyect, but could report upon it to General Lee
and the C^)nfederate authorities, and w^ould give notice in
CJise a reply could be made.
(Jeneral Lee was called over to Richmond, and we met
at night at the President's mansion. Secretary-of-War
Breckenridge was there. The report was made, several
hours were passed in discuasing the matter, and finally it
was agreed that favorable report should be made as soon
as another meeting could be arranged with General Ord.
Secretary Breckenridge expressed especial approval of the
part assigned for the ladies.
As w^e separated, I suggested to (Jeneral Lee that he
should name some irrelevant mutter ns the oecjision of
his call for the inlervi<'W with (J<'nenil (Jnnit, and that
TALK OF PEACE. 585
once they were together they could talk as they pleased.
A telegram was sent my wife that night at Lynchburg
calling her to Richmond, and the next day a note was
sent General Ord asking him to appoint a time for an-
other meeting.
The meeting was appointed for the day following, and
the result of the conference was reported. General Ord
asked to have General Lee write General Grant for an
interview, stating that General Grant was prepared to
receive the letter, and thought that a way could be
found for a military convention, while old friends of
the military service could get together and seek out ways
to stop the flow of blood. He indicated a desire on the
part of President Lincoln to devise some means or excuse
for paying for the liberated slaves, which might be ar-
ranged as a condition and part of the terms of the con-
vention, and relieve the matter of political bearing ; but
those details were in the form of remote probabilities to
be discussed when the parties became advanced in their
search for ways of settlement.
On the 1st of March I wrote General Lee giving a
report of the second interview, and on the 2d he wrote
General Grant as follows :
" Head-quabtees CJonfederate States Armies,
*' March 2, 1865.
^^Lieutenant-General U. 8. Grant,
" Commanding United States Armies :
^'General, — Lieutenant-Greneral Longstreet has informed me
that, in a recent conversation between himself and Major-General
Ord as to the possibility of arriving at a satisfactory adjustment
of the present unhappy difficulties by means of a military con-
vention, General Ord states that if I desired to have an interview
with you on the subject you would not decline, provided I had
authority to act. Sincerely desiring to leave nothing untried
which-may put an end to the calamities of war, I propose to meet
you at such convenient time and place as you may designate, with
the hope that upon an interchange of views it may be found
f)8b FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
practicable to submit the subjects of controversy between the
belligerents to a convention of the kind mentioned. In such
event I am authorized to do whatever the result of the pro-
posed interview may render nee^?ssary or advisable. Should
you accede to this proposition, I would suggest that, if agree-
able to you, we meet at the place selected by Cienerals Ord
and Longstreet for their interview, at eleven a.m. on Monday
next.
** Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
^^i. E. Lee,
'' GeneraV^
The letter was sent to me open, with instructions to
read, seal, and forward. I rode into Richmond to ask
that some other business should be named as the cause of
the call for the interview, but he was not disposed to ap-
proach his purpose by diplomacy, and ordered the letter
to be delivered.
He sent another letter, however :
^'Head-quaetees Gonfedeeate States Aemies,
'^ March 2, 1865.
'^Lieutenant-Geneeal U. S. Geant,
** Ckymmanding United States Annies :
'^Geneeal, — Lieutenant-General Longstreet has informed me
that in an interview with Major-General Ord, that officer ex-
pressed some apprehension lest the general terms used by you
with reference to the exchange of political prisonei'S should be
construed to include those charged with capital offences.
*^ General Ord further stated that you did not intend to em-
brace that class of cases in the agreement to exchange. I regret
to learn that such is your interpretation, as I had hoped that by
exchanging those held under charges by each party it would be
possible to diminish, to some extent, the sufferings of both without
detriment to their interests. Should you see proper to assent to
the interview proposed in my letter of this date, I hope it may
be found practicable to arrive at a more satisfactory understand-
ing on this subject.
** Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
**E. E. Lee,
'' General, ^^
k
TALK OF PEACE. 587
To which General Grant replied, —
*' City Point, Virginia,
'^ March 4, 1865.
** General R. E. Lee,
*^ Commanding Confederate St4xtes Armies :
*^ Your two letters of the 2d instant were received yesterday.
Ill regard to any apprehended misunderstanding in reference to
the exchange of political prisoners, I think there need be none.
General Ord and Greneral Lougstreet have probably misunder-
stood what I said to the former on the subject, or I may have
failed to make myself understood possibly. A few days before
the interview between Generals Lougstreet and Ord I had re-
ceived a despatch from General Hoffman, Commissary-General of
Prisoners, stating in substance that all prisoners of war who were
or had been in close confinement or irons, whether under charges
or sentence, had been ordei'ed to City Point for exchange. I for-
warded the substance of that despatch to Lieutenant-Colonel Mul-
ford, Assistant Agent of Exchange, and presumed it probable
that he had communicated it to Colonel Robert Ould. A day or
two after, an officer who was neither a prisoner of war nor a
political prisoner, was executed, after a fair and impartial trial,
and in accordance with the laws of war and the usage of civilized
nations. It was in explanation of this class of cases I told Gren-
eral Ord to speak to General Lougstreet. Reference to my letter
of February 16 will show my understanding on the subject of re-
leasing political or citizen prisoners.
*^In regard to meeting you on the 6th instant, I would state
that I have no authority to accede to your proposition for a con-
ference on the subject proposed. Such authority is vested in the
President of the United States alone. General Ord could only
have meant that I would not refuse an interview on any subject
on which I have a right to act, which, of course, would be such
as are purely of a military character, and on the subject of ex-
changes which has been intrusted to me.
(Signed) ^^ U. S. Grant,
^ ^ Lieutenant' General. ' '
Under the impression that General Lee would construe
the act of Congress in its broad sense and proceed to
handle the Confederate armies and affairs under his own
good judgment, I wrote, begging that he would call Geu-
t-ml .Tv<?eph E. J-.'hn?-ton l»aok to service and command,
an-.i pr«^ii:Iy suggti^rr'i ;in«l then wrote that I was credibly
inr»rmoi rh;i: rrure wj> j-Icuty of pnxiuce in the country
whirh tlif nirmt-rs w..ul'i cheertallv deliver at Richmond
or Peror-J'iirji If lir^ral prict-s !n y'.>/#Y could be paid them ;
that the au:h Tirv :r:ven t'l impress? bread and meat .stuffs
shiiuM Iv applie^I a- iiuhiding g^M: that right or wrong
the ^.-mt-r-znicv ^.-alltTl f«r it, au-1 that I would undertake
to .-ecure the jr-'M uiH»n his authority. I suggCirted that
as Graiit*< o.»iiib:naiion< were ItM.^kins: to concentration
airain:?t the Armv vf Northern Viririnia and Richmond,
we shiudd use the railways for o.»lltvting and drawing de-
tachmeiu.s from sua hern j>>ints, calling cavalry by the
dirt roads, while the farmers wert- bringing their pnxliicc
bv private convevance. Furthermore, I cited the fact
that there were eight or ten thousand non-ci^mbatants in
Riclimond who could be put in my trenches as conscripts^
and officered by the officers of the department on duty
there, and twelve hundreil in Lynchburg that could be
made similarly available ; and argueil that using them in
the trenches would enable him to draw the First Corps
out for a movable force to meet flanking eftbrts of his
adversary, and keep open his lines of communication. In
that way, I continued, he could collect a hundred thou-
sand men at Richmond, with a good supply of rations,
while General Grant was drawing his two hundred thou-
sand together to attack us ; that when concentrated Grant
would find himself obliged to give speedy battle, as he
could not long supply his large force; that our interior
lines would enable us to re|K*l and break up the attack
and relieve Richmond.
The tinu'H were heavy of events, Executive authority
int(^n(le(l U) be HUri|M»nde(l, and it seemed possible that the
use of u littler gold would so manifest its power as to
imhicc our people to Id (•ottxju jukI tobjuro go for forei^ni
ex<*hjing(' whi<'h might ])ut us on a gold basis for ;i
TALK OF PEACE. 589
twelveinontli. This was the expedient that offered light
and hope for the future, and the times called either for
heroic methods or the giving over of the forms of war.
General Lee agreed that the provisions were in the
country and would be delivered for gold, but did not
think the gold could be found. He made his orders as-
suming command of the armies, but instead of exercising
authority on a scale commensurate with the views of Con-
gress and the call of the crisis, applied to the Richmond
authorities for instructions under the new assignment, and
wrote that he would assign General Johnston to command
if he could be ordered to report to him for duty.
General Johnston was so ordered, and was assigned to
command of such fragments of troops as he could collect
in the Carolinas. General Wade Hampton was relieved
of duty as chief of cavalry in the Army of Northern
Virginia and ordered to join General Johnston. After
collecting such detachments as he could gather. General
Johnston threw them from time to time along the flank
of Sherman's march from Georgia for Virginia, and had
some spirited affairs with that army, which was gathering
strength along the seaboard as it marched.
General Lee was ready to accept the services of non-
combatants about Richmond and Lynchburg, but was not
prepared to exercise authority as dictator and put them
under enrolment, nor to authorize the seizure of gold.
CHAPTER XLI.
BATTLE OF FIVE FOKKS.
Various Affairs of the Closing Campaign — Tlie Massing of Grant's
Forc^ — Sortie against Fort Steadman — Capturetl bnt quickly retaken
— General Grant's Move around the Confederate Right —General Ix^e
anticipates with Aggressive Work — Sheridan makes Rattle with his
Whole Force at Five Forks — Desperate Situation of the Confederates
—Disparity of Numbers — Splendid Stand and Battle of Generals
Pickett and Ransom — Colonel Pegram mortally wounded — W. II. F.
Lee, the ** Noble Son of a Noble Sire"— Corse's Division — Pickett's
Generalsh i p — Casualties.
Meanwhile General Grant was drawing forces from
the North and West to further strengthen his already
overwhelming combinations against Richmond. General
Schofield was called from Tennessee to North Carolina to
guard and join on, if necessary, the flank of Sherman's
column. The cavalry and iafantry of the Valley of Vir-
ginia were brought down to the Union army about Rich-
mond and Petersburg, — the latter by transports.
General Sheridan marched his cavalry, ten thousand
strong, from the Valley to ride across James River, through
Lynchburg, to join the northward march of Sherman's
column. His divisions were under Generals Custer and
Devens ; General Wesley Merritt was his chief of cavalry.
He was to destroy railroads, canals, bridges, and other
works of value as he marched. At Staunton he decided
to take in the balance of General Early's command near
his route at Waynesboro'. He found that command posted
behind field-works, but the line did not cover the left of
the position near the river. After some preliminary
dashes. General Custer found his way around General
Early's left, and, with part of the cavalry dismounted,
made a bold, simultaneous charge on the front and flank,
breaking up the line and capturing most of the troops.
590
BATTLK OF FIVE FORKS. 591
Some of the Union commanders claimed that the Con-
federates cheered them as they surrendered. This, how-
ever, the Confederates deny. Tlie affair is mentioned in
the diary of Major J. Hoskiss, the engineer of the Con-
federate army of the Valley, in not more creditable terms
than General Early gave of his battle of Cedar Run.
Pickett's division, Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry, and other
detachments were sent to Lynchburg to defend against
Sheridan's ride ; but the high waters of James River and
other obstacles turned Sheridan from his southern course
to a sweep down the north side.
Generals Pickett and Fitzhugh Lee were recalled and
ordered to the north side to join me at Richmond for a
march to intercept Sheridan's forces. General Pickett
reported on the 13th, and we marched for Hanover on
the 14th. I made requisition for a pontoon bridge, and
was delayed a day waiting for it and for the cavalry. The
bridge was not sent. As we marched towards the Pa-
munkey River, General Sheridan heard of the move and
crossed to the north bank with his main force, leaving a
brigade to watch our march, but presently drew the bri-
gade after him.
General Rosser reported to me with five hundred cav-
alry, one of the remnants of General Early's army not
captured, and waa ordered across the Pamunkey River to
follow Sheridan's ride. Our artillery and infantry were
delayed part of a day and night building a bridge from
the timbers of an old barn that stood near'the bank of the
river, and part of the command crossed early in the morn-
ing to find a cold cavalry trail, growing colder. As the
prospect of overhauling the march was not encouraging,
we retraced our steps, returning to Richmond on the 18th,
where Pickett's men rested until the 24th.
As Sherman's army drew towards Richmond, General
Grant gave up the thought of taking the city by attack
of his strong columns on the north side, lest he should
•"il^'J FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Icavt* opoii iIk' way of f-rai»f uf the Confederate army,
aiul jjive lime for it to o»n)hiiK> with Johnston's forces
In^fore he eoiiKl overhaul it. He founil, too, that the " at-
trition" poliey eoulil not be made efteetive, even with his
su|H.'rior nunilu'rs, unK»ss he eoukl so nianopuvre as to call
his advei-s;n\v from his fortifieil grounds to make the work
of attrition mutual.
On the 14th of March he gave instructions of prepara-
tion for a general move by his left, and on the 24th gave
delinite orders for the move to be made on the 29th.
On the li Ith, Cieneral Lee gave consent to the making
of a sortie from his line at Hare's Hill, in front of Peters-
burg, against Fort Steadman of the enemy's works. The
distance bctwin^n the lines at that point was one hundred
anil Htty yards, the distance between the picket lines fifty
yards. Union oflicers had given out that deserters from
the Confederate army were permitted to march into the
Union lines with their arms.
Under the circumstances it was conceived to be practica-
ble to gain Fort Steadman by surprise, and the Confederate
chief was led to believe that there were other forts to the
rear of Steadman that could be carried and held until Gren-
eral Grant could be forced to make a longer line to reach
our southern communications, and give us time to find dry
roads for our march away, or for reinforcements to join
us. It was a hazardous adventure at best, but his brave
heart usually Avent with a proposition for a bold fight.
The Second Corps, under Major-General Gordon, was
assigned for the sortie, to be reinforced by other troops to
be called. Pickett's division of the First Corps, that
had been resting on the north side since the 18th, was
called to rei)ort to General Lee at Petersburg, without
intimation of the s(»rvice ])rop()Hed, but all calls and orders
of the times wen* lookcnl upon as urgent. The quarter-
master was despatched to Kichmond to have the transpor-
tation at the station as soon as the troops could reach the
BATTLE OF FIVE FORKS. 593
depot, and the division was ordered to march in anticipa-
tion of due preparation for their transit. But the quar-
termaster found that the railroad company could furnish
transportation for three brigades only. General Lee was
informed of the fact, and I suggested that his only way to
be assured of the service of a division was to draw Ma-
hone's from Bermuda Hundred and have Pickett's march
to replace it. He preferred part of Pickett's division, —
finding it could not be used as a division, as Pickett, the
ranking officer, would be called to command the work
during the early morning, for which he had no opportunity
to prepare.
General Lee collected about eighteen thousand men
near the sallying field, ordered men selected to cut away
the fraise and abatis for the storming column that should
advance with empty guns (to avoid premature alarms),
and ordered a squadron of cavalry ready to dash across
the lines to cut the wires about General Grant's lines.
The Army of the Potomac, General Meade command-
ing, was posted, — the Ninth Corps on the right from
James River to Fort Howard, including Fort Steadman,
General Parke commanding ; next, on Parke's left, was
the Sixth Corps, under General Wright ; then General
Humphreys with the Second Corps, General Warren with
the Fifth; General Sheridan's cavalry, armed with re-
peating rifles, on the extreme left ; General Ord, com-
manding the Army of the James, on the north side,
Generals Gibbon and Weitzel commanding corps, — all
officers of the highest attainments and veterans in service.
The armies of the Potomac and the James and Sheridan's
cavalry, constituting General Grant's immediate com-
mand, numbered one hundred and eleven thousand
soldiers.* Colonel W. H. Taylor, chief of staff* with
General Lee, reports, "Lee had at that time only
* Qeneral Badeau's *< MiUtary HiBtory of U. 8. Grant"
88
"){>! FROM MANASSAS To APPOMATTOX.
(liirty-iiiuf thuusaiul eight liuudred and ninety-seven
available muskets for the defence of Richmond audi
l\»tei>iburg." '•*
The storniei's advanced before <laylight, gained quiet
possession of the (»iieiny's picket line, carried his works
between Hatteries l> and 10, moved to the right and left,
captured Fort 8teadman and its garrison, and turned the
guns there and at Battery 10 against the enemy. But the
alarm spread and the enemy was afield, feeling his way
towards the assailants, for it was not yet light enough to
see and direct liis artillery fire over his own men. Bat-
teries 11 and 12 were taken, and guides sent to conduct
the Confederate columns to forts reported to be in rear
of yteadinan were in search, but there were no forts
there. Redoubts constructed on the main line had
commanding positions over Fort Steadman, and a sweep-
ing fire along its lines, in anticipation of a surprise attack,
but their fire was withheld for daylight to direct it.
Light broke and the fire opened. General Parke called
his field artillery under Tidball into practice from high
ground over the Confederates, put the divisions of Hart-
ranft and Wilcox against the Confederate flanks, and
held them back near the troops crowding in along the
breach, and called for a division from the Second Corps.
The Confederate columns were strong enough to repel
the att^ick of two divisions, — were put there for that pur-
pose,— but so far from breaking up and pushing back the
ninety thousand men in front of them, they w^ere not so
handled as to check two divisions long enough for the
forces to get back to their lines.
The artillery fire not only tore the Confederate ranks,
but crossed fire in their rear, cutting off reinforcements
and retreat. Our side was without artillery, except cap-
tured guns, which were handled by infantry. As the
* Four Vi'ai'H willi (ii'iicral Liv,
BATTLE OF FIVE FORKS. 5i)o
sortie was noised along the line, General Humphreys and
General Wright advanced the Second and Sixth Corps
against the Confederate lines along their fields to learn
if troops had been drawn from their fronts to join the
attack. Batteries 11 and 12 were recovered before eight
o'clock, and General Parke ordered Hartranft's division
to regain Fort Steadman and Battery 10, which was done
with slight loss before nine o'clock.
Many Confederates got back to their lines in disordered
flight, but 1949 prisoners and nine stands of colors were
taken by the Ninth Corps.
The aggregate of Union losses was reported as 2107.
Confederate losses are not reported in detail or in num-
bers. General Meade's estimate of our loss was 6000.
General Humphreys captured the intrenched picket
line in front of him, but found the Confederate works in
front well manned. General Wright got well in on the
front of his line to favorable position, from which he as-
saulted and carried the Confederate works on the 2d of
April.
Corse's and Terry's brigades of Pickett's division re-
mained in wait under arms until a late hour of the 25th,
but were not called to take part in the sortie.*
The result calls for little comment upon the adventure.
For an army of forty thousand veterans, without field
batteries, to dislodge from their well-chosen and strongly-
fortified lines an army of ninety thousand well-armed and
thoroughly-appointed veterans was impossible.
Pursuant to previous orders. General Grant started on
his move around the Confederate right on the 27th. Gen-
eral Ord was called to the south side with fourteen thou-
sand men of the Army of the James, leaving General
Weitzel with twenty thousand on the north side.f In
front of that force we had ten thousand men of Field's
* Diary of a member of Corse's brigade,
t Estimated from returun.
51)() FROM 3iANA8SAS TO APPOMATTOX.
and Kershaw's divisions and G. W. C. Lee's division of
local defence troops (not including Gary's cavalry, the
eailora and marines) holding the forts at Drury's and
Chapin's farms. General Grant's orders were that his
troops at all points should be ready to receive orders for
assault.
Duly informed of the enemy's movements, and under-
standing his purpose. General Lee marched to his right
on the 29th. Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry w^as called in ad-
vance to march for Five Forks. General Lee marched
with fifteen thousand infantry, three thousand cavalry
(including Fitzhugh Lee's division), and a quota of artil-
lery, along the White Oak road to his right.
The purpose of the enemy was to overreach the forti-
fied grounds and call the Confederates to field work, and
General Lee thought to anticipate him by aggressive
work as soon as he was in the open field, and ordered
battle for the 31st.
General Pickett, with three brigades of his division,
two of B. R. Johnson's division (Ransom's and Wal-
lace's), with the cavalry, was ordered to engage Sheridan's
cavalry at Five Forks, while General Lee attacked, with
McGowan's, Gracie's, Hunton's, and Wise's brigades, the
Fifth Army Corps, that was between Pickett and our
line of fortifications. The opening of this part of the
battle was in favor of the Confederates. General Lee
drove back the advance division of the Fifth Corps to the
next, and pushed the two back to concentration upon the
third, where that part of the battle rested.
General Pickett made his part of the battle by putting
W. H. F. Lee's and Rosser's divisions of cavalry on his
right, and following that leading by his infantry and ar-
tillery, leaving Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry division, under
General T. T. Munford, along the right front of Sheri-
dan's cavalry. He pressed his separate battle by his right
advance until night, forcing Sheridan back to Dinwiddie
BATTLE OF FIVE FORKS. 597
Court-House, where the latter reported to General Grant
that the force in front of him was too strong, and asked
for reinforcements. Pickett prepared to follow his success
by early morning battle and rested for the night, but
Miles's division of the Second Corps was put against the
other end of the battle, and the Fifth Corps rallied and
advanced against the brigades that were with General
Lee. They were forced back to the White Oak road,
then into their fortified lines, leaving an interval of five
miles behind Pickett's lefl.
Responding to General Sheridan's call. General Grant
ordered the Fifth Corps, under General Warren, fifteen
thousand * strong, and Mackenzie's cavalry division (six-
teen hundred). The design was that the Fifth Corj^s
should come in on Pickett's left rear and cut off his re-
treat, but heavy rains of the 30th and morning of the 31st
had so flooded the streams and roads that the night march
was slow and fatiguing, and Pickett, receiving notice
during the night of the projected move against his rear,
changed his orders for battle, and directed the troops
withdrawn for Five Forks before daylight. His retro-
grade was made in time to escape the Fifth Corps, and
was followed by Sheridan's cavalry, but no serious effort
was made to delay his movements. He made his march
of five miles to Five Forks, put his troops in order of
battle by nine o'clock of the morning of the 1st of April,
and ordered his well-chosen line examined and put under
construction of field-works. Coi'se's, Terry's, and Steu-
art's brigades of Pickett's division, and Ransom's and Wal-
lace's brigades of B. R. Johnson's division, were posted
from right to left. Of Pegram's artillery, three guns
were planted at the Forks, and three more near his right ;
W. H. F. Lee's division of cavalry on his right ; Fitz-
hugh Lee's division on his left, — General T. T. Munford
* Estimated from general return for Marcli.
O.KS FK03I MANASSAS TO APIHJMATTOX.
wiiinianding the latter ; Rosser's division in rear guarding
trains. General Fitzhugh Lee was chief of cavalry.
As soon as the infantry line was formed, the troops set
to work intrenching the position. The line of battle was
parallel to and lay along the White Oak road, the left
broken smartly to the rear, the retired end in traverse
and flanking defence. The extreme right of the infantry
line was also refused, but not so much. Four miles east
from Pickett's left was the right of the fortified lines of
General Lee's army. On the right and outside of those
lines was a detachment of cavalry under General Roberts.
The division of Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry was ordered to
cover the ground between Rol)erts's cavalry and Pickett's
left by a line of vedettes, and his division was posted on
that part of the field.
W. H. F. Lee's cavalry held strong guard on the
right, and had the benefit of some swamp lands. His
lines formed and field-works under construction. General
Pickett rode to tlie rear for his noon lunch, and was soon
followed by the cavalry chief
Sheridan's cavalry followed close on Pickett's march,
but did not attempt to seriously delay it. He made a
dash about ten o'clock to measure the strength of tlie
works under construction, and found them too strong to
warrant fierce adventure. Delayed by the heavy roads
and flooding streams, the Fifth Corps was not in position
until four o'clock in the afternoon.
General Sheridan planned for battle to have General
Merritt display the cavalry divisions of Custer and
Devens against the Confederate front and right, to convey
the impression that that was the field from which his
battle woukl be made, while lie drew up and massed the
Fifth Corp at the other end of the field for the real fight.
The corps was arranged, Crawford's division in column on
the right, Avery's on Crawford's loft, Griffin's division in
support, Mackenzie's cavalry division on the right of the
\
BATTLE OF FIVE FORKS. 599
infantry column, at tlie White Oak road. The Fifth
Corps was to wheel in close connection and assault against
the face of the return of Confederate works, while the
cavalry divisions in front were to assail on that line and
the right of the works.
The march and wheel of the Fifth Corps were made
in tactical order, and the lines advanced in courageous
charge, but staggered and halted under the destructive
infantry fire. The charge was repeated, but held in check
until Crawford's division found a way under cover of a
woodland beyond the Confederate works, and marched to
that advantage.
Ransom drew his brigade from the intrenched line to
meet that march, but it was one brigade against three —
and those sui)ported by part of Griffin's division.
Ransom's horse was killed, falling on him ; his adju-
tant-general. Captain Gee, was killed, and the brigade
was forced back.
This formidable move by open field to Pickett's rear
made his position untenable. Feeling this, the veteran
soldiers of the left brigades realized that their battle was
irretrievable. Those who could find escape from that end
of the works fell back in broken ranks, while many others,
finding the enemy closing in on their rear, thought it more
soldierly to surrender to Ayres's brave assaulting columns,
and not a few were the captives of Crawford's division.
It was not until that period that General Pickett knew,
by the noise of battle, that it was on. He rode through
the fire to his command, but his cavalry chief, riding later,
was cut off from the field and failed to take part in the
action. When Pickett got to the Forks, Colonel Pegram,
of the artillery, had been mortally wounded, the battery
commander was killed, and many of the cannoneers killed
or wounded. He found an artillery sergeant and enough
men to man one gun, and used it with effect until the
axle broke.
600 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
The brigades of Steuart and Terry changed front and
received the rolling battle. The cavalry assailants of the
front and right had no decided success, but the infantry
columns pressing their march, the Confederate brigades
were pushed back to their, extreme right, where in turn
Corse's brigade changed front to receive the march, leaving
W. H. F. Lee's cavalry to look to his right.
The Union cavalry essayed to charge the Confederate
remnants to dismay, but the noble son of the noble sire
seized opportunity to charge against the head of this
threatening column before it could pass the swamp lands,
drove back its head until Corse's brigade got back to cover
of woodland, and night came to cover the disastrous
field.*
The remnants of the command were collected as soon
and as well as they could be in the dead of night and
marched towards Exeter Mills, where Pickett proposed to
cross the Appomattox and return to the army, but early
movements of the next morning changed the face of the
military zodiac.
The position was not of General Pickett's choosing, but
of his orders, and from his orders he assumed that he
would be reinforced. His execution was all that a skilful
commander could apply. He reported as to his position
and the movements of the enemy threatening to cut his
command from the army, but no force came to guard his
left. The reinforcements joined him after night, when
his battle had been lost and his command disorganized.
The cavalry of his left was in neglect in failing to report
the advance of the enemy, but that was not for want of
proper orders from his head-quarters. Though taken by
surprise, there was no panic in any part of the command ;
* This account is gathered from the evidence of officers of both sides,
given before the Warren Court of Inquiry, which vindicated Warren
and Pickett, though the court was inclined to coquette with the
lieutenant-general, who, at that late day, was in high authority.
BATTLE OF FIVE FOEKS. 601
brigade after brigade changed front to the left and
received the overwhelming battle as it rolled on, until
crushed hack to the next, before it could deploy out to aid
the front, — or flank attack, — until the last right brigade
of the brave Corse changed and stood alone on the left
of W. H. F. Lee's cavalry, fronting at right angle against
the enemy's cavalry columns.
It is not claiming too much for that grand division to
say that, aided by the brigades of Ransom and Wallace,
they could not have been dislodged from their intrenched
position by parallel battle even by tlie great odds against
them. As it was, Ayres's division staggered under the
pelting blows that it met, and Crawford's drifted off from
the blows against it, until it thus found the key of the
battle away beyond the Confederate limits.
In generalship Pickett was not a bit below the " gay
rider." His defensive battle was better organized, and
it is possible that he would have gained the day if his
cavalry had been diligent in giving information of the
movements of the enemy.*
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The losses are not found in separate reports. Both
sides suffered severely, Pickett losing two thousand. He
* He reported that he could have gained the day if the cavalry of hie
kn had been as efficient aa that of bis right
G02 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
had nine thousand men of all arms. His adversary had
twenty-six thousand.
Reinforcements of Hunton's brigade, and Lieutenant-
General R. H. Anderson with the other brigades of B. R.
Johnson, were sent him too late, and a telegram came for
me at Richmond to march a division to Petersburg to re-
lX)rt to General Lee. The hour at which the telegram
was received was not noted. As the operations at Five
Forks were not decisive until after five o'clock, the tele-
gram may have been received about seven p.m. Field's
division was ordered to the railway station, and the quar-
termaster was sent in advance to have the cars ready to
move it.
To give the troops the benefit of our limited transpor-
tation I rode with the staff by the dirt road.
CHAPTER XLIL
PETERSBURG.
Tlie Fierce Concerted Assault by the Federals— Death of A. P. Hill—
General Lee announces to Richmond Authorities that he must retreat
—Reception of the News by President Davis at Church Service —
Federals take Forts Gregg and Wliitworth— The Retreat harassed by
Continuous Fighting— Longstreet saves High Bridge, a Vital Point—
Ewell and Others compelled to surrender— General Mahone*s Account
of Interesting Scenes— Magnitude of the Disaster—** Is the Army dis-
solving?*'—General Reed mortally wounded— Panic occurs, but Order
is restored— General Gregg and Part of his Cavalry Command captured
by Rosser and Munford.
The blackness of night spread over us when we crossed
James River by the pontoon bridge, but before long
land and water batteries lifted their bombs over their lazy
curves, screaming shells came through the freighted night
to light our ride, and signal sky-rockets gave momentary
illumination. Our noble beasts peered through the loaded
air and sniffed the coming battle ; night-birds fluttered
from their startled cover, and the solid pounding upon
Mahone's defensive walls drove the foxes from their
lairs. If tears and prayers could have put out the light
it would not have passed Petersburg, — but it passed by
twenty miles. A hundred guns and more added their
lightning and thunder to the storm of war that carried
consternation to thousands of long-apprehensive people.
The cause was lost, but the end was not yet. The noble
Army of Northern Virginia, once, twice conqueror of
empire, must bite the dust before its formidable adversary.
The impulse was to stop and guard Mahone, but some
of his men had been called to assist in guarding else-
where, which, with our imperative orders, admonished us
that he must be left to his fate, and Weitzel's fire upon
the lines we had just left told of his orders to be prepared
608
G04 FROM HAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
for the grand enveloping charge. But the order for
Weitzel's part in the general charge was afterwards sus-
pended until enough troops could be sent to assure his
success. Had General Grant known that Field's division
was withdrawn during the niglit, Weitzel's assault would
have gone in the general move of the morning of the
2d, and Richmond, with the Confederate authorities,
would have been taken before noon.
As morning approached the combat was heavier. The
rolling thunder of the heavy metal reverberated along
the line, and its bursting blaze spread afar to light the
doom of the army once so proud to meet the foe, — ^match-
less Army of Northern Virginia !
General Grant had ordered assault for four o'clock, but
it was near five before there was light enough for the men
to see their way across the line and over the works. Our
night-ride was beyond range of the enemy's batteries.
Crossing the Appomattox, we rode through the streets of
Petersburg for General Lee's head-quarters, some miles
farther west. As no part of the command had reached
the station when we passed, orders were left for the de-
tachments to march as soon as they landed.
Before the first rays of morning we found general head-
(juarters. Some members of the staff were up and dressed,
but the general was yet on his couch. When told of my
presence, he called me to a seat at his bedside, and gave
orders for our march to support the broken forces about
Five Forks. He had no censure for any one, but men-
tioned the great numbers of the enemy and the superior
repeating rilles of his cavalry. He was ill, suffering from
the rlioumatic aihuont tliat he had been afflicted with for
years, but keener trouble of mind made him in a measure
superior to the shooting pains of his disease.
From the line gaineil by the Sixth Corps on the 25th
it was a run of but two or three minuti^ across to the
Confederate works.
PETERSBURG. 605
At 4.45, General Wright advanced as tlie signal for
general assault. General Lee was not through with his
instructions for our march when a staff-oflScer came in and
reported that the lines in front of his head-quarters were
broken. Drawing his wrapper about him, he walked with
me to the front door and saw, as far as the eye could cover
the field, a line of skirmishers in quiet march towards us.
It was hardly light enough to distinguish the blue from
the gray.
General Wright drove in our picket line, and in des-
perate charges crowned the Confederate works. General
Gibbon followed the move with his divisions of the
Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Corps, one of his bri-
gades (Harris's) carrying part of the Confederate works.
The troops, weary of their all-night watch and early
battle, halted to close their ranks and wait for the
skirmish line to open up the field. General Lee appealed
to have me interpose and stop the march, but not a man
of my command was there, nor had we notice that any
of them had reached the station at Petersburg.
All staff-officers mounted and rode to find the parts of
Heth's and Wilcox's divisions that had been forced from
their lines. The display of officers riding in many di-
rections seemed to admonish the skirmishers to delay
under cover of an intervening swale. The alarm reached
General A. P. Hill, of the Third Corps, who rode off to
find his troops, but instead came suddenly upon the
enemy's skirmishers in their concealment. He wheeled
and made a dash to escape, but the Federal fire had deadly
effect, the gallant general fell, and the Southern service
lost a sword made bright by brave work upon many heavy
fields.
General Humphreys, of the Second, followed the move
of the Sixth Corps, and General Parke assaulted on the
Bermuda Hundred front and at Petersburg. He had
partial success at the former, but was repulsed when he
n<M> FUOM 3JA.\A!SSAS TO Al'1'OMATTOX.
met Mahone's *jtroiig line. At Petersjlmrg lie had more
success, cjijituring twelve guns.
General Sheridan, reinforced by Miles's division, waa
ordered to follow up his work on the right bank. The
n;inforceinents sent under Lieutenant-General Anderson
joined General Pickett at night of the 1st, and the com-
bined forces succeeded in getting out of fhe way of the
Union infantry, and they gave the cavalry a severe trial
a little before night at Amazon Creek, where the pursuit
rested ; but the Union forces made some important cap-
tures of artillery and prisoners. The divisions of Hetli
and AVilcox moved to the right and left to collect their
broken files. General Wright wheeled to the right and
massed the Sixth Corps for its march to Petersburg, and
was joined l)y General Gibbon.
Not venturing to hope, I looked towards Petersburg
and saw General Benning, with his Rock brigade, winding
in rapid march around the near hill. He had but six
hundred of his men. I asked for two liundred, and led
them off to the canal on our right, wliieh was a weak
point, threatened by a small body of skirmishers, and
ordered the balance of his troops deployed as skirmishers
in front of the enemv's main force.
I rode then to Benning's line of skirmishers, and at the
middle point turned and rode at a walk to the top of the
hill, took out my glasses, and had a careful view of the
enemy's formidable masses. I thought I recognized Gen-
eral Gibbon, and raised my hat, but he was busy and did
not see me. There were two forts at our line of works, —
Grr^gg and AVhitworth. General Grant rode over the
captured works and ordered the forts taken. Upon with-
drawing my glasses I looked to the right and left, and
saw Benning's four hundred standing in even line with
me, viewing the masses preparing for their march to
meet us.
During a few moments of (piiet, General Lee despatched
PETERSBURG. G07
to Richmond of affairs at Petersburg, and to advise that
our troops must abandon their lines and march in retreat
as soon as night could cover the move.
It was eleven o'clock of the morning when the despatch
reached Richmond. It was the Sabbath-day. The city
was at profound worship. The President was at St.
Paul's Church. My wife was there (rest her spirit !) and
heard the paijtor, Mr. Minnegerode, read, " The Lord is
in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before
himy The full congregation rose, but the air whispered
silence. The solemnity was broken as a swift despatch-
bearer entered the portals and walked with quiet but
rapid steps up the aisle to the chancel. He handed the
President a sealed envelope. After reading, the Presi-
dent took his hat and walked with dignity down the aisle.
Service was resumed, but presently came another mes-
senger for some of the ladies, then another, and still
another, and in a few moments the congregation, followed
by the minister, giving up the sacred service, passed out
and to their homes to prepare, in silent resignation, for
whatever was to come.
The tragic scenes of the south side, in a different way,
were as impressive as these. General Gibbon prepared
his divisions under Foster and Turner for assault upon
Forts Gregg and Whitwortli, and when the Sixth Corps
lined up with him, he ordered the divisions to their work.
As they advanced the other brigades of Field's division
came up, were aligned before the enemy's heavy massing
forces, and ordered to intrench. General Foster found
his work at Fort Gregg called for all the force and skill
that he could apply. He made desperate assault, but was
checked, and charged again and again, even to the bayonet,
before he could mount the parapets and claim the fort.
It had been manned by part of Harris's brigade (Twelfth
Mississippi Regiment, under Captain J. H. Duncan, three
of Mahone's division). Fifty-five dead
008 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
were found in the fort ; two hundred and fifty, including
wounded, were prisoners.
General Turner attacked at Fort Whitworth, and had
easier work. General Wilcox, thinking it a useless sac-
rifice to try to hold it, ordered his troops w^ithdrawn, and
many got out in time to escape the heavy assault, but
many were taken prisoners. General Gibbon lost ten offi-
cers and one hundred and twelve men killed, twenty-seven
officers and five hundred and sixty -five men wounded;
two pieces of artillery and several colors were captured.
It was my time next. General Meade called Miles's
division back to the Second Corps, and prepared to march
down upon Petersburg, but General Grant thought that
the work might prove hazardous of delay to his plans for
the next day ; that General Lee was obliged to pull away
from his lines during the night to find escape, and standing
as he was he would have the start, while at Petersburg he
would be behind him. He therefore ordered all things in
readiness for his march westward at early light of the
next morning.
After A. P. Hill fell his staff and corps were assigned
as part of my command. Heth's and Wilcox's divisions
were much broken by the losses of the day. Mahone had
repulsed the attack made upon his position, and had his
division in good order and spirits, except the part of
Harris's brigade that was at Fort Gregg.
General Lee's order for retreat w^as out in time to have
the troops take up the march as soon as night came. The
troops at Petersburg were to cross the Appomattox at the
bridge there, Mahone's division to march to Chesterfield
Court-House and cover the march of the troops from the
north side. General Ewell, commanding on the north side,
was to cross his divisions, one at the lower bridge, the
other at Richmond. Lieutenant-General Anderson and
Major-General Pickett, with the cavalry, were to march
up the south bank of the Appomattox.
PETERSBURG. 609
FieUrs division and parts of Heth's and Wilcox's
crossed the river soon after dark, and were followed by
the Second Corps, which wrecked the bridge behind it.
G. W. C. Lee's division, including the garrison at Chapin's
Bluff, crossed the James at the lower bridge, breaking it
when they had passed. The sailors and marines at
Drury's Bluff, on the south side, failed to receive orders,
but, under advice from General Mahone, got off in good
season and marched through Chesterfield Court-House to
join G. W. C. Lee's division in its after-march. General
Kershaw crossed at Richmond. As the division came
over the bridge the structure was fired (supposedly by an
incendiary), and Kershaw had to go through the flames
at double-quick time. Ewell's command was united near
Manchester and pursued its march. General Mahone
marched on his line just mentioned.
After a tramp of sixteen miles through mud, my column
halted for a short rest, and marched to Goode's Bridge on
the 3d. Field's and Wilcox's divisions were put across
the Appomattox to guard against threatening moves of
cavalry. In the forenoon of the 4th, Mahone's division
crossed, — also a part of Heth's that had been cut off,
and had marched up on the south side, — and our march
was continued to Amelia Court-House, the enemy's
cavalry constantly threatening our left flank. At the
Court-House the cavalry was more demonstrative and
seemed ready to offer battle. Field, Heth, Wilcox, and
the artillery were put in position and looked for oppor-
tunity to strike the head of the enemy's column and
delay his march. But it proved to be only the purpose
of the cavalry to delay our march while the enemy was
passing his heavier column by us to Jetersville.
Orders had been sent for provisions to meet us at
the Court-House, but they were not there, so we lost
the greater part of a day gathering supplies from the
farmers.
89
^»10 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Our purpoj?e liad been to march through Burkeville U
joiu our forces to those of General J. E. Johnston ii
North Carolina, but at Jetersville, on the 5th, we founc
the enemy square across the route in force and intrench*
ing, where our cavahy under Genend W. H. F. Lee en-
gaged him. Genera] Field put out a strong line of skir-
mishers to support the cavalry. Field's, Heth's, and
Wilcox's divisions and artillery were prepared for action
and awaited orders. General Meade was in front of us
with the Second and Fifth Corps and Sheridan's cavalry,
but his Sixth Corps was not up. General Fitzhugh Lee
had been sent by the Painesville road with the balance of
his cavalry to guard the trains raided by detachments of
the enemy, which latter made some important captures.
General Lee was with us at Jetersville, and, after care-
ful reconnoissance, thought the enemy's position too strong
to warrant aggressive battle. He sent for some of the
farmers to get more definite information of the country
and the strength of the i)osition in front of us, but they
knew nothing beyond the roads and by-roads from place
to place. General Meade, finding that his Sixth Corps
could not join him till a late hour, decided to wait till
next morning for his attack. General Ord rested his
column for the night at Burkeville. The enemy was quiet
at Jetersville, exce[)t for a light exchange of cavalry fire-
No orders came, the afternoon was passing, further delay
seemed perilous. I drew the command off and filed to
the right to cross Flat Creek to march for Farmville.
The other infantry and trains and artillery followed and
kept the march until a late hour, halting for a short rest
before daylight.
Early on the Cth, General Meade advanced for battle,
anil, not finding us at Jetersville, started towards Amelia
Court-IIouse to look for us, but General Humidireys, of
his Second Corps, learned that our rear-guard was on
the north side of Flat Creek on the westward march.
PETERSBURG. 611
General GriflSn, of the Fifth Corps, also had informa-
tion of troops in march west, and General Meade, there-
fore, changed direction to pursue with his Second and
Sixth Corps, putting the Fifth on the Painesville road.
General Sheridan despatched General Ord that we had
broken away from him and were marching direct for
Burkeville. The latter prepared to receive us, but soon
learned that we had taken another route. He had pre-
viously detached two regiments of infantry (five hundred
men), under Colonel Washburn, with orders to make
rapid march and burn High Bridge. To this force he
afterwards sent eighty cavalrymen, under Brigadier-
General Theodore Reed, of his staff, who conducted the
column, and put his command in march to follow by
the road through Rice's Station.
After repairing the bridge at Flat Creek, General
Humphreys marched in hot pursuit of our rear-guard,
followed by the Sixth Corps, Merritt's and Crook's cav-
alry moving on the left of our column as we marched.
General Humphreys, in his account of the pursuit, says, —
'^ A sharp and running fight commenced at once with Gordon^ s
corps which was continued over a distance of fourteen miles, dur-
ing which several partially-intrenched positions were carried.'^ *
My column marched before daylight on the 6th. The
design from the night we left Petersburg was that its
service should be to press on and prevent the enemy's
infantry columns from passing and standing across our
march.
At Sailor's Creek the road forks,— one road to the
High Bridge crossing of Appomattox River, the other
by Rice's Station to Farmville. We had information of
Ord's column moving towards Rice's Station, and I moved
over to that point to meet it, the other columns to fol-
low the trains over the bridge. At Rice's Station the
* Virginia Campaigns.
612 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
eomiiiand was prei>ared for action, — Field's divisiou across
the road of Ord's marcli, Wilcox on Field's right; both
ordered to intrench, artillery in battery. Heth's division
was put in support of Wilcox, Mahone to support Field.
Just then 1 learned that Ord's detachment of bridge-
burners had passed out of sight when the head of my
command arrived. 1 had no cavalry, and the head of
Ord's command was approaching in sight ; but directly
General Kosser reported with his division of cavalry. He
was ordered to follow after the bridge-burners and capture
or destroy the detachment, if it took the last vutii of his
command to do it. General Ord came on and drove in
my line of skirmishers, but 1 rode to meet them, marched
them back to the line, w^ith orders to hold it till called in.
Ord's force proved to be the head of his column, and he
was not prepared to press for general engagement.
Cieneral T. T. Munford reported with his cavalry and
was ordered to follow Rosser, with similar directions.
Gary's cavalry came and reported to me. High Bridge
was a vital point, for over it the trains were to pass, and
I was under the impression that General Lee was there,
passing with the rest of his army, but hearing our troops
engaged at Rice's Station, he had ridden to us and was
waiting near Mahone's division. Ord's command was not
up till near night, and he only engaged with desultory
lire of skirmishers and occasional exchange of battery
practice, arranging to make his attack the next morning.
General Ewell's column was up when we left Amelia
Court-House, and followed Anderson's by Amelia Springs,
where he was detained some little time defending trains
threatened by cavalry ; at the same time our rear-guard
was near him, followed by the enemy. Near Deatonville
Crook's cavalry got in on our trains and caused delay of
several hours to Anderson's march. Crook was joined by
part of Merritt's cavalry and repeated the attack on the
trains, but Ew^ell was up in time to aid in repelling the
PETERSBURG. 613
attack, and the march was resumed, the enemy's cavalry
moving on their left flank.
Anderson crossed Sailor's Creek, closely followed by
Ewell. The route by which they were to march was by
High Bridge, but they were on strange ground, without
maps, or instructions, or commander. In the absence of
orders Anderson thought to march for the noise of battle,
at Rice's Station. They had no artillery or cavalry.
The chief of cavalry was there, but his troopers were
elsewhere, and he rode away, advising the force to follow
him. The rear-guard came up rapidly and essayed to
deploy for defence, but the close pursuit of Humphreys's
corps forced its continued march for High Bridge, letting
the pursuit in upon Ewell's rear. As Anderson marched
.he found Merritt's cavalry square across his route. Hum-
phreys was close upon Ewell, but the former awaited
battle for the arrival of the Sixth Corps.
There was yet a way of escape from the closing clutches
of the enemy by filing to their right and marching to the
rear of the command at Rice's Station ; but they w^ere
true soldiers, and decided to fight, even to sacrifice their
commands if necessary, to break or delay the pursuit until
the trains and rear-guard could find safety beyond High
Bridge.
Ewell deployed his divisions, Kershaw's on the right,
G. W. C. Lee's on the left. Their plan was, that An-
derson should attack and open the way while Ewell de-
fended the rear. As Anderson attacked, Wright's corps
was up, Humphreys had matured his plans, and the at-
tack of Anderson hastened that of the enemy upon the
Confederate rear. Anderson had some success, and Ewell
received the assaults with resolute coolness, and at one
moment pushed his fight to aggressive return, but the
enemy, finding that there was no artillery with the Con-
federates, dashed their batteries into closer range, putting
in artillery and infantry fire, front and flanks, until the
Gl 1 FKOM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Confederate rear was erii.slied to fragments. General
Ewell surrendered ; so also did General G. W. C. Lee with
his division. General Kershaw advised such of his men
as could to make their escape, and surrendered with his
division. General Anderson got away with the greater
part of B. R. Johnson's division, and Pickett with six
hundred men. Generals Corse and Hunton and others
of Pickett's men were captured. About two hundred of
Kershaw's division got away.
General R. 8. Ewell and General R. H. Anderson are
barely known in the retreat, but their stand and fight on
that trying march were among the most soldier-like of
the many noble deeds of the war.
While waiting near my rear. General Lee received in-
formation, through Colonel Venable, of his staff, as to the,
disaster at Sailor's Creek. He drew Mahone's division
away, and took it back to find the field. General Mahone
writes of the scenes that he witnessed as follows :
"As we were moving up in line of battle, General Lee riding
with me and remonstrating about the severity of my note in re-
spect to Colonel Marshall's interference with my division the
night l>efore, up rode Colonel Venable, of General Lee's staff, and
wanted to know if he, General Lee, had received his message.
General Lee replied ^No,' when Colonel Venable informed him
that the enemy had captured the wagon-tra.ins at Sailor's Creek.
General Lee exclaimed, ' Where is Anderson t Where is Ewell f
It is strange I can't hear from them.' Then turning to me, he said,
' General Mahone, I have no other troops, will you take your di-
vision to Sailor's Creek t' and I promptly gave the onler by the
left flank, and off we were for Sailor's Creek, where the disaster had
occurred. General Tjee rode with me, Colonel Venable a little in
the rear. On reaching the south crest of the high ground at the
crossing of the river road overlooking Sailor's Ci'eek, the disaster
which had overtiiken our army was in full view, and the scene
beggars description, — hurrying teamsters with their teams and
dangling traces (no wagons), retreating infantry without guns,
many without hats, a harmless mob, with the massive columns
of the enemy moving orderly on. At this spectaele General Lee
straightened himself in his saddle, and, looking more the soldier
PETERSBURG. 615
than ever, exclaimed, as if talking to himself, ^ My God ! has the
army dissolved V As quickly as I could control my own voice I
I'eplied, ^ No, general, here are troops ready to do their duty ;'
when, in a mellowed voice, he replied, ^Yes, general, there are
some true men left. Will you please keep those people back V
As I was placing my division in position to * keep those people
back,' the retiring herd just referred to had crowded around
Goneral Lee white he sat on his horse with a Confederate battle-
flag in his hand. I rode up and requested him to give me the
flag, which he did.
** It was near dusk, and he wanted to know of me how to get
away. I replied, * Let Greneral Longstreet move by the river road
to Farmville, and cross the river there, and I will go through the
woods to the High Bridge (railroad bridge) and cross there.' To
this he assented. I asked him then, after crossing at the High
Bridge, what I should do, and his reply was, to exercise my judg-
ment. I wanted to know what should be done with the bridge
after crossing it. He said, 'Set fire to it,' and I replied that the
destruction of a span would as well retard the enemy as the de-
struction of the whole half mile of bridge, and asked him to call
up Colonel Talcott, of the Engineers' Regiment, and personally
direct him in the matter, which he did."
General Mahone withdrew at eleven o'clock at night
through the wood, found the bridge, had the fragments of
commands over before daylight, and crossed High Bridge.
The parties called to fire the bridge failed to appear. He
sent a brigade back to do the work, and had a sharp skir-
mish in checking the enemy long enough to start the fire,
after which he withdrew as far as Cumberland Church
and deployed for battle, Poague's artillery on his right.
General Rosser got up with the detachment sent to burn
the bridge, and attacked. General Reed, seeing his ap-
proach, found a defensive position, and arranged the
command to receive battle. General Munford got up
and deployed his troopers, dismounted, on Rosser's left.
Nothing daunted; General Reed received the attack, and
in gallant fight made one or two counter-charges with his
small cavalry force, but ere long he was mortally wounded,
as was Colonel Washburn, Most of his cavalry officers
616 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
and many of his infantry were killed or wounded, and tlie
rest surrendered. Reed's fight wa.s as gallant and skilful
as a soldier could make, and its noise in rear of Sailor's
Creek may have served to increase the confusion there.
The result shows the work of these remnants of Confed-
erate veterans as skilful and worthy of their old chief who
fell at Yellow Tavern.
I heard nothing of the affair at Sailor's Creek, nor from
General Lee, until next morning. Our work at Rice's
Station was not very serious, but wius continued until
night, when we marched and crossed the Appomattox at
Farmville without loss, some of Rosser's and Munford's
cavalry following. We crossed early in the morning and
received two days' rations, — the first regular issue since
we left Richmond, — halted our wagons, made fires, got
out cooking utensils, and were just ready to prepare a good
breakfast. We had not heard of the disasters on the other
route and the hasty retreat, and were looking for a little
quiet to prepare breakfast, when General Lee rode up and
said that the bridges had been fired before his cavalry
crossed, that part of that command was cut off and lost,
and that the troops should hurry on to position at Cum-
berland Church.
I reminded him that there were fords over which his
cavalry could cross, and that they knew of or would surely
find them. Everything except the food was ordered back
to the wagons and dumped in.
Meanwhile, the alarm had spread, and our teamsters,
frightened by reports of cavalry trouble and approaching
fire of artillery, joined in the panic, put whips to their
teams as quick as the camp-kettles were tumbled over the
tail-boards of the lYagons, and rushed through the woods
to find a road somewhere in front of them. The com-
mand was ordered under arms and i>ut in quick march,
but General Lee urged double-quick. Our cavalry was
then engaged near Farmville, and presently came a reck-
\
PETERSBURG. 617
less charge of Gregg's troopers towards parts of Rosser's
and Munford's commands. Heth's division of infantry
was sent to support them. As the balance of the command
marched, General Lee took the head of the column and
led it on the double-quick.
I thought it better to let them pass me, and, to quiet
their apprehensions a little, rode at a walk. General Ma-
hone received the attack of part of the enemy's Second
Corps, like Gregg's cavalry making reckless attack. The
enemy seemed to think they had another Sailor's Creek
affair, and part of their attack got in as far as Poague's
battery, but Mahone recovered it, and then drove off an
attack against his front. General Gregg and a con-
i?iderable part of his command were captured by Rosser
and Munford. At Cumberland Church the command
deployed on the right of Poague's battery, but Mahone
reported a move by part of Miles's division to turn his
loft which might dislodge him. G. T. Anderson's bri-
gade of Field's division was sent with orders to get
around the threatening force and break it up. Mahone
so directed them through a woodland that they succeeded
in over-reaching the threatened march, and took in some
three hundred prisoners,* the last of our trouble for the
day. General Lee stopped at a cottage near my line,
where 1 joined him after night; the trains and other
parts of his army had moved on towards Appomattox
Court-House.
* General Mahone claimed seven hundred in all.
CHAPTER XLIII.
APPOMATTOX.
Some of General Lee's Officers say to him that *' Further Resistanoe
is HoiKjless"— Longstreet does not approve — Greneral Grant calls for
Surrender— ** Not yet"— The Confederate Chieftain asks Terms— His
Response to his Offlwrs as represented l>y General Pendleton — C<»rre-
spondence of Generals Leo and Grant — Morning of April 9— General
Lee rides to meet the Federal Commander, while Longstreet orders
the Last Line of Battle— Longstreet endeavors to recall his Chief,
hearing of a Break where the Confederate Troops could pass— Custer
demands Surrender of Longstreet — Reminded of Irregularity, and
that he was ** in the Enemy's Lines" — Meeting with General Grant —
Capitulation — Last Scenes.
The beginning of the end was now at hand, — not per-
haps neceasarily, but, at least, as the secpience of cause and
effect actually followed.
" An event occurred on the 7th," says General Long,
"which must not be omitted from the narrative. Per-
ceiving the difficulties that surrounded the army, and be-
lieving its extrication hopeless, a number of the principal
officers, from a feeling of affection and sympathy for the
commander-in-chief, and with a wish to " lighten his re-
sponsibility and soften the pain of defent, volunteered to
inform him that, in their opinion, the struggle had reached
a point where further resistance was hopeless, and that the
contest should be terminated and negotiations opened for
a surrender of the army. The delivery of this opinion
was confided to General Pendleton, who, both by his
character and devotion to General Lee, was well qualified
for such an office. The names of Longstreet and some
others, who did not coincide in the opinion of their asso-
ciates, did not appear in the list presented by Pendleton."*
A little after nightfall a flag of truce aj)peared under
^
* Memoirs of General Lee, A. L. Long,
018
APPOMATTOX. 619
torchlight in front of Mahone's line bearing a note to
General Lee :
^^Head-quabters Aemies of the United States,
'^5 P.M., April?, 1865.
^^ General R. E. Lee,
^^ Commanding Confederate States Army:
"General, — The results of the last week must convince you
of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army
of Northern Virginia in this struggle. I feel that it is so, and
regard it as my duty to shift from myself the responsibility of any
further effusion of blood by asking of you the surrender of that
portion of tlie Confederate army known as the Army of Northern
Virginia.
" Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"U. S. Grant,
^^ Lieutenant' Generalj Commanding Armies of the United Stoites^
I was sitting at his side when the note was delivered.
He read it and handed it to me without referring to its
contents. After reading it I gave it back, saying, " Not
yetr
General Lee wrote in reply, —
''April 7, 1865.
*' General, — ^I have received your note of this day. Though
not entertaining the opinion you express on the hopelessness of
further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia,
I reciprocate your desire to avoid useless effusion of blood, and
therefore, before considering your proposition, ask the terms you
will offer on condition of its surrender.
''E. E. Lee,
'* General.
''Lieutenant-Geneeal Grant,
" Commanding Armies of Hie United States.^^ ,
I was not informed of the contents of the return note,
but thought, from the orders of the night, it did not mean
surrender. General Lee ordered my command from for-
ward- to rear-guard, and his cavalry in rear of the march.
The road was clear at eleven o'clock, and we marched at
twelve. The enemy left us to a quiet day's march on the
(320 FROM MAXASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
8th, nothing disturbing the rear-guard, and our left flank
being but little annoyed, but our animals were worn and
reduced in strength by the heavy haul through rain and
mud during the march from Petersburg, and the troops
of our broken columns were troubled and faint of heart.
We passed abandoned wagons in flames, and limbers
and caissons of artillery burning sometimes in the middle
of the road. One of my battery commanders reported
his horses too weak to haul his guns. He was ordered to
bury the guns and cover their burial-places with old leaves
and brushwood. Many weary soldiers were picked up,
and many came to the column from the woodlands, some
with, many without, arms, — all asking for food.
General Grant renewed efforts on the 8th to find a wav
to strike across the head of our march by his cavalry, the
Army of the James and the Fifth Corps pursuing our
rear-guard with the Second and Sixth Corps of the Army
of the Potomac.
In the forenoon. General Pendleton came to me and
reported the proceedings of the self-constituted council
of war of the night before, and stated that he had been
requested to make the report and ask to have me bear
it to General Lee, in the name of the members of the
council. Much surprised, I turned and asked if he did
not know that the Articles of War provided that officers
or soldiers who asked commanding officers to surrender
should be shot, and said, —
"If General Lee doesn't know when to surrender until I tell
him, he will never know."
•
It seems that General Pendleton then went to General
Lee and made the report. General Long's account of the
interview, as reported by Pendleton, is as follows :
''General Lee was lying on the ground. No othera heard the
conversation between him and myself. He received my commu-
nic^ition witli the replj', * Oh, no, I trust that it luis not come to
that,' and added, ^ General, we have yet too many bold men to
APPOMATTOX. r521
tliink of laying dowii our arms. Tlie enoiay do not fight witli
spirit, while our boys still do. Besides, if I were to sjiy a word
to the Federal eommauder, he would regard it as such a (K)nfes-
siou of weakness us to make it the condition of demanding an
unconditional surrender, a proposal to which I will never listen.
... I have never believed we could, against the gigantic com-
bination for our subjugation, make good, in the long run, our
independence, unless foreign powei*s should, directly or indi-
rectly, assist us. . . . But such considerations really make with
ine no diiference. We had, I was satisfied, sacred principles to
maintain, and rights to defend, for which we were in duty bound
to do our best, even if we perished in the endeavor.'
*'Such were, as nearly as I can recall them, the exact words of
General Lee on that most critical occasion. You see in them the
soul of the man. Where his conscience dictated and his judgment
decided, there his heart was.'' *
The delicate affection that prompted the kniglits of
later days to offer to relieve the grand commander of
his official obligations and take upon themselves respon-
sibility to disarm us and turn us over to the enemy is
somewhat pathetic, but when to it are applied the stern
rules of a soldier's duty upon a field of emergency, when
the commander most needs steady hands and brave
hearts, their proceeding would not stand the test of a
military tribunal. The interesting part of the inter-
view is that in it our great leader left a sufficient testi-
monial as a legacy to the soldiers of his column of the
right. Though commanders of other columns were mu-
tinous, he had confidence that we were firm and steady in
waiting to execute his last command.
During the day General Grant wrote General Lee in
reply to his note of the 7th inquiring as to terms of sur-
render,—
'^Aprils, 1866.
^'General E. E. Lee,
^* Commanding Confederate States Army :
'* General, — ^Your note of last evening in reply to mine of the
same date, asking the conditions on which I will accept surrender
, J _ ■ _ 1 ■ I - - — - !■ I I ■ w^ ■ ^^^ a ^ m - -"
* Memoirs of Robert E. Lee, A. L. Long.
022 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
of tbo Army of Xortherii Vir<ciiiia, is jiu>t received. In reply T
would siiy that, peace lK»iiip: my ^reat desire, there is but one con-
dition I would insist upon, — namely, tliat the men and officers
surrendered shall be disqualiiied for taking up arms again against
the government of the United States until properly exchangeil. I
will meet you, or will designate otticei's to meet any officera you
might name for the siime purpose, at any point agreeable to you,
for the purpose* of arningi ng definitely the terms upon which the
surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia will be received.
^*U. S. Grant,
*^ Lieutenant'Oeneral.^^
In reply, General Lee wrote, —
''Aprils, 1865.
''General, — I rec^ive<l at a late hour your note of to-day. In
mine of yesterday I did not intend to propose the surrender of
the Army of Northern Virginia, but to ask the terms of your
proj^osition. To be frank, I do not think tlie emergency has
arisen to call for the surrender of this armj', but as the restora-
tion of peace should be the sole object of all, I desired to know
whether your proposals would le^ to that end. I cannot, there-
fore, meet you with a view to the surrender of the Army of
Northern Virginia ; but as far as your proi>osal may affect the
Confe<lerate States forces under my command and tend to the
restoration of peace, I should be plcjised to meet you at ten A.H.
to-morrow on the old stage road to Bichmond, between the picket
lines of the two armies.
'*R E. Lee,
*' General^^
The enemy's movements of the day were impressive of
his desire to get by our left flank and make a strong
stand across tlie route of our head of column. At Pros-
pect Station, General Sheridan was informed of four trains
of cars at Appomattox Station loaded with provisions for
General Lee's army. He gave notice to Merritt's and
Crook's cavalry, and rode twenty-eight miles in time for
Custer's division to pass the station, cut off the trains, and
drive back the guard advancing to protect them. He
helped himself to the provisions, and captured besides
twenty-five pieces of artillery and a wagon and hospital
train.
APPOMATTOX. 623
At night General Lee made his head-quarters near the
rear-guard, and spread his couch about a hundred feet
from the saddle and blanket that were my pillow and
spread for the night. If he had a more comfortable bed
than mine I do not know, but I think not.
He sent for his cavalry commander, and gave orders for
him to transfer his troopers from the rear to the advanced
guard, and called Greneral Gordon, commanding in front,
for report and orders. The advance was then at Appo-
mattox Court-House, Wallace's brigade resting in the
village. His orders were to march at one o'clock in the
morning, the trains and advanced forces to push through
the village in time for my column to stand and prepare
to defend at that point in case of close pursuit. General
Gordon reported, as I remember, less than two thousand
men. (General Fitzhugh Lee puts it at sixteen hundred,
but he may have overlooked Wallace's brigade, which
joined the advance on that day.) My column was about
as it was when it marched from Petersburg. Parts of
Ewell's, Anderson's, and Pickett's commands not captured
on the march were near us, and reported to me, except
Wallace's brigade.
On the 9th the rear-guard marched as ordered, but soon
came upon standing trains of wagons in the road and
still in park alongside. The command was halted, de-
ployed into position, and ordered to intrench against the
pursuing army.
It was five o'clock when the advance commands moved,
— four hours after the time ordered. To these General
Long's batteries of thirty guns were attached. They met
Sheridan's cavalry advancing across their route. The
column was deployed, the cavalry on the right of the ar-
tillery and infantry, as they advanced to clear the way.
They reported some success, capturing two pieces of artil-
lery, when General Ord's column came up. He had,
besides his Army of the James, the Fifth Army Corps.
G24 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
rn
These coiuniauds, witli the cavalry, pushed the Coiifcder-
at(»s back a little, wiiile the two corps of the Army of the
Potomac were advancing against my rear-guard.
Of the early hours of this, the last day of active ex-
istence of the x\rmy of Northern Virginia, Colonel Ven-
able, of General Lee's staff, wrote thus :
'* At tlu-ee o'clock on the morning of that fatal day, General
LcHi rode forward, still hoping that he might bresik through the
countless hordes of the enemy, who hemmed us in. Halting a
short distance in rear of our vanguard, he sent me on to Greneral
Gordon to Jisk him if he could break through the enemy. I found
Geneml Gordon and General Fit-z Lee on their fmnt line in the
dim light of the morning, arranging our attack. Gk)rdon'8 reply
to the message (I give the expressive phrase of the giillant Geor-
gian) was this : ^ Tell General Lee I have fought my corps to a
frazzle, and I fear I can do nothing unless I am heavily supported
by Ijongstreet's corps.'
'* VV'hen I bore the message back to General Lee, he said,
^ Then there is nothing left me but to go and see General Grant,
and I would rather die a thousand deatlis.'
^' Convulsed with passionate grief, many were the wild words
which we spoke as we stood around him. Said one, ' Oh, gen-
eral, what will history say of the surrender of the army in the
field !'
^*He replied, * Yes, I know they will ssiy hard things of us;
they will not understaiul how we are overwhelmed by numbers.
But that is not the question, colonel; the question is, *' Is it right
to surrender this army!-' If it is right, then I will take all the
responsibility !' '' *
Presently General Lee called to have me ride forward
to him. He was dressed in a suit of new uniform, sword
and sash, a handsomely embroidered belt, boots, and a
pair of gold spurs. At first approach his compact figure
appeared as a man in the flush vigor of forty summers,
but as I drew near, the handsome apparel and brave
bearing failed to conceal his profound depression. He
stood near the embers of some burned rails, received me
* Memoirs of Robert E. Lee, A. L. Long.
APPOMATTOX. 625
with graceful salutation, and spoke at once of affairs in
front and the loss of his subsistence stores. He remarked
that the advanced columns stood against a very formidable
force, which he could not break through, while General
Meade was at my rear ready to call for all the work that
the rear-guard could do, and, closing with tlie expression
that it was not possible for him to get along, requested my
view. I asked if the bloody sacrifice of his army could
in any way help the cause in other quarters. He thought
not. Then, I said, your situation speaks for itself.
He called up General Mahone, and made to him a
similar statement of affairs. The early morning was raw
and damp. General Mahone was chilled standing in wait
without fire. He pushed up the embers and said to the
general he did not want him to think he was scared, he
was only chilled. General Mahone sometimes liked to
talk a little on questions of moment, and asked several
questions. My attention was called to messages from tlie
troops for a time, so that I failed to hear all of the con-
versation, but I heard enough of it to know that General
Mahone thought it time to see General Grant. Appeal
was made to me to affirm that judgment, and it was
promptly approved.
General Grant had been riding with his column in our
rear during the correspondence of the 7th and 8th. So
General Lee, upon mounting Traveller, his favorite horse,
rode to our rear to meet him, leaving his advanced forces
engaged in a lively skirmish. He did not think to send
them notice of his intended ride, nor did he authorize me
to call a truce. He passed my rear under flag, but Gen-
eral Grant's orders were that his correspondence with
General Lee should not interrupt or delay the operations
of any of his forces. Our advance troops were in action,
and General Humphreys was up with the Second Corps
of the Army of the Potomac, preparing for action against
our rear-guard. The situation was embarrassing. It was
40
(\2(} FROM MANASSAS T<> APPOMATTOX.
plain enough tluit I should attack the Second Corps be-
fore others eouhl he u]) an<l prepare for action, though our
truce forhade. It coukl not prevail, however, to call me
to quiet while the enemy in plain view was preparing for
attack, so we continued at our work constructing our best
line of defence, and when strong enough I ordered parts
of the rear-guard forward to support the advanced forces,
and directed General Alexander to establish them with
part of his batteries in the best position for support or
rallying line in case the front lines were forced back.
That was the last line of battle formed in the Army of
Northern Virginia.
While this formation was proceeding, report came from
our front that a break had been found through which we
could force passage. I called for a swift courier, but not
one could he found. Colonel J. C. Haskell had a blooded
mare that had been carefully led from Petersburg. Ap-
I)reciating the signs of the times, he had ordered her sad-
dled, intending a desperate ride to escape impending
humiliation, but, learning my need of a swift courier, he
came and offered his services and his mare. He ivas
asked to take the information just brought in to General
Lee, and as he mounted was told to kill his mare but
hring General Lee back. He rode like the wind.
General Lee had passed out and dismounted beyond a
turn of the road, and was not seen until the gallant rider
had dashed by him. The steed swej)t onward some dis-
tance before the rider could pull up. As Colonel Haskell
rode back, General I^ee walked to meet him, exclaiming,
" You have ruined your beautiful mare ! why did you do
so ?" The swift despatch was too late. General Lee's note
to General Grant asking an interview had gone beyond
recall.
As my troops marched to form the last line a message
came from General Lee saying he had not thought to give
notice of the intended ride to meet General Grant, and
\
APPOMATTOX. 627
asked to have me send his message to that effect to Gen-
eral Gordon, and it was duly sent by Captain Sims, of the
Third Corps staff, serving at my head-quarters since the
fall of A. P. Hill.
After delivering the message. Captain Sims, through
some informality, was sent to call the truce. The firing
ceased. General Custer rode to Captain Sims to know
his authority, and, upon finding that he was of my staff,
asked to be conducted to my head-quarters, and down
they came in fast gallop. General Custer's flaxen locks
flowing over his shoulders, and in brusk, excited manner,
he said, —
" In the name of General Sheridan I demand the un-
conditional surrender of this army."
He was reminded that I was not the commander of the
army, that he was within the lines of the enemy without
authority, addressing a superior officer, and in disrespect
to General Grant as well as myself ; that if I was the *
commander of the army I would not receive the message
of General Sheridan.
He then became more moderate, saying it would be a
pity to have more blood upon that field. Then I sug-
gested that the truce be respected, and said, —
" As you are now more reasonable, I will say that Gen-
eral Lee has gone to meet General Grant, and it is for
them to determine the future of the armies.''
He was satisfied, and rode back to his command.
General Grant rode away from the Army of the Potomac
on the morning of the 9th to join his troops near Ap-
pomattox Court-House, so General Lee's note was sent
around to him. When advised of the change, General
Lee rode back to his front to await there the answer to
his note. While waiting, General Lee expressed appre-
hension that his' refusal to meet General Grant's first
proposition might cause him to demand harsh terms.
I assured him that I knew General Grant well enough
(\'2H FROM MAXASSA8 TO APPOMATTOX.
to ssiv that lli(* terms wuuKl Ih* hucIi as he wouhl demand
uimK^* Hiniihir eiiruiiista]ice.s, lait he vet had doubts*. The
(Hiiiversation continued in broken .senteuees until the
iK'arer of the return despatch approached. As he still
sH^nied appreliensive of liuniiliating demands, I suggested
that in that event he shouhl break off the interview and tell
(Jenc^ral (irant to <lo liis worst. The thought of another
round seemed to Imice hhn, and he rode with Colonel
Marshall, of liis staff, to meet the Union commander.
Th(^ status of affairs spread through the advance troops
of the army, but the work of preparation on my rear line
was continued. General Field inquired of a passing oflScer,
" Wliat's up?'' but, seeing arrangements going on for at-
tack in our rear, he continued his work of preparation to
receive^ it.
G(Mi('ral Grant was found prepared to offer as liberal
terms as General Lee could expect, and, to obviate a col-
lision between his army of the rear with ours, ordered an
()flic(»r sent to give; notice of the truce. A ride around the
lines would consume time, and he asked to have the officer
(*onducted through our lines. Colonel Fairfax was sent
with him. When they reached our rear line it was still
at work on the trenches. The ofllicer expressed surprise
at the work of prej)aration, as not proper under truce.
Colonel Fairfax ordered the Avork discontinued, and
claimed that a truce between belligerents can only be
recognized by mutual consent. As the object of the ride
was to make the first announcement of properly author-
ized truce, the work of preparation between the lines was
no violation of the usages of war, particularly when it
wjis borne in mind that the orders of General Grant were
that the correspondence should not delay or interrupt
military o])erntions.
As (ieneral Lee rode ba(*k to his armv the officers and
soKliers of his troops about the front lines assembled in
])romiscu()us crowds of all arms and grades in anxious
i
APPOMATTOX. 629
wait for their loved commander. From force of habit a
burst of saUitations greeted him, but it quieted as suddenly
as it arose. The road was packed by standing troops
as he approaclied, the men with hats off, heads and hearts
bowed down. As he passed they raised their lieads and
looked upon him with swimming eyes. Those who could
find voice said good-by, those who could not speak, and
were near, passed their hands gently over the sides of
Traveller. He rode with his hat off, and had sufficient
control to fix his eyes on a line between the ears of Trav-
eller and look neither to right nor left until he reached
a large white-oak tree, where he dismounted to make his
last head-quarters, and finally talked a little.
The shock was most severe upon Field's division.
Seasoned by four years of battle triumphant, the veterans
in thnt body stood at Appomattox when the sun rose on
the 9th day of April, 1865, as invincible of valor as on
the morning of the 31st of August, 1862, after breaking
up the Union lines of the second field of Manassas. They
had learned little of the disasters about Petersburg, less
of that at Sailor's Creek, and surrender had not had
time to enter their minds until it was announced accom-
plished !
The reported opportunity to break through the enemy's
lines proved a mistake. General Munford, suspecting
surrender from the sudden quiet of the front, made a
dashing ride, and passed the enemy's lines with his di-
vision of cavalry, and that caused the impression that
Ave would be able to march on.
Soon after General Lee's return ride his chief of ord-
nance reported a large amount of United States currency
in his possession. In doubt as to the proper disposition
of the funds. General Lee sent the officer to ask my opin-
ion. As it was not known or included in the conditions
of capitulation, and was due (and ten times more) to the
faithftil troops, I suggested a pro rata distribution of it.
630 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
The officer afterwards brought three hundred dollars as
my part. I took one hundred, and asked to have the
balance distributed among Field's division, — the troops
most distant from their homes.
The commissioners appointed to formulate details of the
capitulation were assigned a room in the McLean resi-
dence. The way to it led through the room occupied as
Greneral Grant's head-quarters.
As I was passing through the room, as one of the com-
missioners, General Grant looked up, recognized me, rose,
and with his old-time cheerful greeting gave me his hand,
and after passing a few remarks offered a cigar, which was
gratefully received.
The first step under capitulation was to deliver to the
Union army some fifteen hundred prisoners, taken since
we left Petersburg, not all of them by my infantry, Ros-
ser's and Munford's cavalry having taken more than half
of them. Besides these I delivered to General Grant all
of the Confederate soldiers left under my care by General
Lee, except about two hundred lost in the affiiirs about
Petersburg, Amelia Court-House, Jetersville, Rice's Sta-
tion, and Cumberland Church. None were reported killed
except the gallant officers Brigadier-General Bearing, of
Rosser's cavalry. Colonel Bostan, of Munford's cavalry,
and Major Thompson, of Stuart's horse artillery, in the
desperate and gallant fight to which they were ordered
against the bridge-burning party.
General Grant's artillery prepared to fire a salute in
honor of the surrender, but he ordered it stopped.
As the world continues to look at and study the grand
combinations and strategy of General Grant, the higher
will be his award as a great soldier. Confederates should
be foremost in crediting him with all that his admirers so
justly claim, and ask at the same time that his great ad-
versary be measured by the same high standards.
On the 12th of April the Army of Northern Virginia
APPOMATTOX. 631
marched to the field in front of Appomattox Court-House,
and by divisions and parts of divisions deployed into line,
stacked their arms, folded their colors, and walked empty-
handed to find their distant, bliglited homes.
There were " surrendered and paroled" on the last day
of our military history over twenty-eight thousand officers
and men, — viz. :
General Lee aud staff 15
liongstreet's corps * 14,833
Gordon's corps t 7,200
EweU's corps 287
Cavalry corps 1,786
ArtiUery 2,686
Detachments 1,649
Total 28,356
In glancing backward over the period of the war, and
the tremendous and terrible events with which it was
fraught, the reflection irresistibly arises, that it might
perhaps have been avoided and without dishonor. The
flag and the fame of the nation could have suffered no re-
proaxjh had General Scott's advice, before the outbreak,
been followed, — " Wayward sisters, depart in peace." The
Southern States would have found their way back to the
Union without war far earlier than they did by war.
The reclaiming bonds would then have been those only
of love, and the theory of government formulated by
George Washington would have experienced no fracture.
But the inflexible fiat of fate seemingly went forth for
war ; and so for four long years the history of this great
nation was written in the blood of its strong men.
* Including the parts of the Third Corps attached after the faU of A.
P. Hill, and atiout five thousand that reported on the 7th, 8th, and 9th
in bands and squads from the columns broken up at Sailor's Creek.
t Including five thousand two hundred of fragments dispersed at
Petersburg and during the rearward march, that joined us in retreat
CHAPTER XLIV.
POST-BELLUM PENDANT.
Old Friends and their Kindness— General Grant — His Cliaracteristic
Letter of Introduction to President Johnson — In Business in New
Orleans— Political Unfriendliness— Cause of Criticism of Military
Career— Appointed Surveyor of Customs— The Old Nurse.
Some weeks after the surrender the newspapers an-
nounced that I was to visit Wasliington City. My old
company commander, Bradford R. Alden, who liad re-
signed from the army some years before the Avar, came
down from New York to meet me. Not finding me, he
sent to tell me of his trip, that he Avas anxious about
me, lest I might be in need of assistance ; that in that
event I should draw on him for such amount as I wanted.
When I was ready to return his favor he was not in the
country, and it was only through a mutual friend, General
Alvord, that his address in Europe was found and the
amount returned. A more noble, lovable character never
descended from the people of Plymouth Rock.
About the 1st of November, 1865, business of j^ersonal
nature called me to Washington. I stopped at the Met-
ropolitan Hotel. Upon seeing the arrival in the morn-
ing papers. General W. A. Nichols, of the United States
army, called and insisted that my visit should be with
him and his family. The request was declined with the
suggestion that the war-feeling was too warm for an officer
of the army to entertain a prominent Confederate, but he
insisted and urged that his good wife would not be satis-
fied unless the visit was made. So it was settled, and I
became his guest. He was on duty at the time as assistant
adjutant-general at the War Department. As I was stop-
ping with an officer of the army, the usages of milit^iy
682
POST-BELLUM PENDANT. 633
life required that I should call upon the commanding
general.
The next morning I walked with General Nichols to
make an official call on General Grant. He recognized
us as we entered his office, rose and walked to meet us.
After the usual brief call, we rose to take leave, when he ,
asked to have us call on his family during the evening.
Most of those whom we met during the evening were old-
time personal friends, especially the father-in-law, Mr.
Dent. When leaving, after a pleasant evening, General
Grant walked with us to the gate and asked if I cared to
have my pardon. I pleaded not guilty of an offence that
required pardon. He said that he meant amnesty, — that
he wished to know if I cared to have it. I told him that
I intended to live in the country, and would prefer to
have the privileges of citizenship. He told me to call at
his office at noon next day ; that in the mean time he
would see the Secretary of War and the President in
regard to the matter.
The next day he gave me a letter to the President, and
said that he had seen him and thought the matter was ar-
ranged ; that I should first see the Secretary of War, then
the President. His strong and characteristic letter to the
President was as follows :
'^Head-quarters Armies of the United States,
"Washington, D. C, November 7, 1865.
"His Excellency A. Johnson,
^^ PremdeTit :
"Knowing that General Longstreet, late of the army which
was in rebellion against the authority of the United States, is in
the city, and presuming that he intends asking executive clem-
ency before leaving, I beg to say a word in his favor.
"General Longstreet comes under the third, fifth, and eighth
exceptions made in your proclamation of the 29th of May, 1866.
I believe I can safely say that there is nowhere among the excep-
tions a more honorable class of men than those embraced in the
fifth and eighth of these, nor a class that will more faithfully ob-
serve any obligation which they may take upon themselves.
634 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
General LoDgstreet, in my opinion, stands high among this class.
I have known him well for more than twenty-six years, first as a
cadet at West Point and afterwards as an officer of the army.
For five years from my. graduation we served together, a portion
of the time in the same regiment. I speak of him, therefore,
from actual personal acquaintance.
^* In the late rebellion, I think, not one single charge was ever
brought against General Longstreet for persecution of prisoners
of war or of persons for their political opinions. If such charges
were ever made, I never heard them. I have no hesitation,
therefore, in recommending Greneral Longstreet to your Excel-
lency for pardon. I will further state that my opinion of him is
such that I shall feel it as a personal favor to myself if this par-
don is granted.
*' Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
'^ U. S. Grant,
^^ lAetitenant' General.^ ^
Supported by this generous endorsement, I called on
the Secretary of War, who referred me to the President.
After a lengthy interview the President asked to have
the matter put off until next day, when I should call at
noon. The next day he was still unprepared to make
decision, but, after a long, pleasant talk, he said, —
" There are three persons of the South who can never
receive amnesty : Mr. Davis, General Lee, and yourself.
You have given the Union cause too much trouble."
I replied, " You know, Mr. President, that those who
are forgiven most love the most."
"Yes," he said, "you have very high authority for
that, but you can't have amnesty."
During a subsequent session of Congress, General Pope
sent in a list of name^ from Georgia for whom he asked
relief from their political disabilities. General Grant,
after approving it, made request to one of his friends in
Congress to have my name put on the list, and I was
extended relief soon after it was given to General R. E.
Lee.
In January, 1866, I engaged in business in New Or-
POST-BELLUM PENDANT. 636
leans 'with the Owen brothers, — William, Miller, and
Edward, old soldiers of the Washington Artillery, — as
cotton factors, and speedily found fair prosperity. Before
the year was out 1 was asked to take position in an insur-
ance company, but declined, and repeated applications
were refused under plea of limited business experience,
but, under promise of ample and competent assistance, I
accepted the place with a salary of five thousand dollars,
and my affairs were more than prosperous until I was
asked an opinion upon the political crisis of 1867.
As the whole animus of the latter-day adverse criti-
cisms upon, and uncritical assertions in regard to, the
commander of the First Corps of the Army of Northern
Virginia had its origin in this matter of politics, a brief
review of the circumstances is in order.
As will be readily recalled by my older readers (while
for the younger it is a matter of history) , President John-
son, after the war, adopted a reconstruction policy of his
own, and some of the States were reorganized under it
with Democratic governors and legislatures, and all would
have followed. But Congress, being largely Republican,
was not satisfied, and enacted that the States could not be
accepted unless they provided in their new constitutions for
negro suffrage. In case they would not, the State govern-
ments should be removed and the States placed in the
hands of general officers of the army as military governors,'
who should see that the States were reorganized and re-
stored to the Union under the laws.
Under the severe ordeal one of the city papers of New
Orleans called upon the generals of Confederate service to
advise the people of the course that they should pursue, —
naming the officers. I thought it better policy to hold
the States, as they were organized, under the President's
policy, shape their constitutions as directed by Congress,
and have the States not yet reorganized follow the same
course. My letter upon the subject was as follows :
636 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
**New Orleans, La., June 3, 1867.
"J. M. O. Parker, Esq. :
** Dear Sir, — Your esteemed favor of the 15th ultimo was duly
received.
** I was much pleased to have the opportunity to hear Senator
Wilson, and wjis jigreejibly surprised to m<^t such fairness and
frankness from a politician whom I had l)eiMi taught to believe
harsh in his feelings towards the people of the South.
**I have considered your suggestion to wisely unite in efiforts
to restore Louisiana to her former position in the Union * through
the party now in power.' My letter of the 6th of April, to which
you refer, clearly indicates a desire for practical reconstruction
and recx)nciliation. There is only one route left open, which
practical men cannot fail to see.
*'The serious difficulty arises from want of that wis<loin so im-
portant for the great work in hand. Still, I will l)e happy to work
in any harness that promises relief to our dis(*omfited people and
harmony to the nation, whether bearing the mantle of Mr. Davis
or Mr. Sumner.
'* It is fair to assume that the strongest laws are those estab-
lished by the sword. The ideas that divided political parties
before the war — upon the rights of the States — were thoroughly
discussed by our wisest statesmen, and eventually appealed to the
arbitrament of the sword. The decision was in favor of the
North, so that her construction becomes the law, and should be
so accepted.
** The military bill and amendments are the only peace-oflferings
they have for us, and should be accepted as the starting-point for
future issues.
**Like others of the South not previously connecte<l with
politics, I naturally acquiesced in the ways of Democracy, but,
so far as I can judge, there is nothing tangible in them, beyond
the issues that were put to test in the war and there lost. As
there is nothing left to take hold of except prejudice, which can-
not be worked for good for any one, it seems proper and right
that we should seek some standing which may encourage hope
for the future.
''If I appreciate the issues of Democracy at this moment, they
are the enfranchisement of the negro and the rights of Congress
in the premises, but the acts have been pjissed, are parts of the
laws of the land, and no power but Congress can remove them.
'' Besides, if we now accept the doctrine that the States only can
legislate on suffrage, we will fix the negro vote ux)on us, for he is
POST-BELLUM PENDANT. C37
now a suffragan, and his vote, with the vote that will go with
him, will hold to his rights, while, by recr)gnizing the acts of
Congress, we may, after a fair trial, if negro suffrage proves a
mistake, appeal and have Congress correct the error. It will
accord better with wise policy to insist that the negro shall vote
in the Northern as well as the Southern States.
*^ If every one will meet the crisis with prox)er appreciation of
our condition and obligations, the sun will rise to-morrow on a
happy people. Our fields will again begin to yield their increase,
our railways and waters will teem with abundant commerce, our
towns and cities will resound with the tumult of trade, and we
will be reinvigorated by the blessings of Almighty God.
*' Very respectfully yours,
* ^ James Longstreet. ' '
I might have added that not less forceful than the
grounds I gave were the obligations under which we were
placed by the terms of our paroles, — " To respect the laws
of Congress," — but the letter was enough.
The afternoon of the day upon which my letter was
published the paper that had called for advice published
a column of editorial calling me traitor ! deserter of my
friends ! and accusing me of joining the enemy ! but did
not publish a line of the letter upon >vhich it based the
charges ! Other papers of the Democracy took up the
garbled representation of this journal and spread it broad-
cast, not even giving the letter upon which tliey based
their evil lattacks upon me.
Up to that time the First Corps, in all of its parts, in
all of its history, was above reproach. I was in successful
business in New Orleans as cotton factor, with a salary
from an insurance company of five thousand dollars per
year.
The day after the announcement old comrades passed
me on the streets without speaking. Business began to
grow dull. General Hood (the only one of my old com-
rades who occasionally visited me) thought that he could
save the insurance business, and in a few weeks I found
myself at leisure.
638 FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.
Two years after that period, on March 4, 1869, General
Grant was inaugurated President of the United States,
and in the bigness of his generous heart called me to
Washington. Before I found opportunity to see him he
sent my name to the Senate for coHfirmation as surveyor
of customs at New Orleans. I was duly confirmed, and
held the office until 1873, when I resigned. Since that
time I have lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, and in
Gainesville, Georgia, surrounded by a few of my old
friends, and in occasional appreciative touch with others,
South and North.
Of all the people alive I still know and meet, probably
no one carries me farther back in recollections of my long
life than does my " old nurse." Most of the family ser-
vants were discharged after the war at Macon, Mississippi,
where some of them still reside, among them this old
man, Daniel, who still claims the family name, but at
times uses another. He calls promptly when I visit Macon
and looks for " something to remember you by." During
my last visit he seemed more concerned for me than usual,
and on one of his calls asked, —
** Marse Jim, do you belong to any church?"
" Oh, yes," I said, " I try to be a good Christian."
He laughe<l loud and long, and said, —
" Something must have scared you mighty bad; to change
you so from what you was when I had to care for you."
In a recent letter he sent a message to say that he
is getting to be a little feeble.
Blessings on his brave heart!
Ch', /9'J^^-y '/^/^
/yt.<r<.^ J^'xoy/ (fp^t-tyi d-<^c^ft. (U^ /.^^v<.t (yU^-x ta/,<*^ ^t^ , cZZ^/ ^!__j
Q^ pKA.»M~t^^tccyuxy\ i''U%.2^X^<^X>C^^ O^^^f^^^ "^ ^ A-t^ tv c<^ Z^c/t^r/f^t^C-
J^oClaa. ^ d^xcuiC A^ QcnxJU^y/ , uft<t ri-LA. x^tJU^ MiXt^ CaJc^a/J,
\.y-\ -t<y- — Z- ■^-/>^%^€Vv^.<y/
APPENDIX.
LETTERS OF GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE AND
GENERAL LONGSTREET.
I.
Ijee to Anderson on Conduct of the First Corps.
June 1(>, 1S(U.
Likutenant-General R. H. Andeeson,
Commanding IjongstreeVs Corps:
General,— I take great pleasure iu presenting to you my
eougratulations upon the conduct of the men of your C4)rps. I
iK'lieve that they will carry anything they are put agsiinst. We
tried very hard to stop Pickett's men from capturing the breast-
works of the enemy, but could not do it. I hope his loss has
been small.
I am, with respect, your obedient servant ,
R. E. Lee,
General,
11.
Lee to Longstreet congratidating him on his Convalescence and
anticipating Return,
Camp Petersburg, August 29, 1864.
General J. Longstreet :
My dear General, — I received yesterday your letter of the
23d, and am much gratified at your improvement. You will soon
be as well as ever, and we shall all In? rejoice<l at your return.
You must not, however, become impatient at the gradual progress
you must necessarily make, but be content with the steady ad-
vance you are making to health and strength. Your progress
will be the more certain and your recovery more confirmed. Do
not let Sherman capture you, and I will endeavor to hold Grant
till you come. I am glad to hear such good accounts of my little
639
G40 APPEXDIX.
namesake. Good lun^sare a ^reat hlessinir, and nothing expands
them better than a fnll, hearty yell. T hope Mi-s. liongstreet is
well, and that she is enjoying the goini i)eaehei4 and melons of
Georgia, We have Imt little enjoyment here. Our enemy is
very cautious, and he haa become so proficient in intrenching
that he seems to march with a system already prepared. He
threatens dreadful things every day, but, thank God, he has not
expungeil us yet.
All your army triends inquire for you anxiously, and will be de-
lighted to hear of your improvement. We stall not object to
your chirography, so you must practise it often, and let me hear
of your progi'ess and well-doing. Please present my kindest re-
gariLs to Mrs. Longstreet, and love to my namesake. The gentle-
men of my staff are very grateful for your remembrance, and
unite with me in sincere wishes for your welfare and happiness.
I am sure the rest of this army would join did they know of the
opportunity.
With great regard, very truly yours,
K. E. Lee.
HI.
Louffstreet to Lee.
Head-quarters Army Corps,
November 24, 1864.
General E. E. Lee,
(Commanding :
General, -P^rom the report of scouts receivcil yesterday, it
seems that the Tenth Cori)S is still on this side, or if it went over
to the south side, Inis returned. The information, too, seems to
indicate the arrival of the Sixth Corps from the Valley.
Under these circumstances it will l)e necessary for me to force
the enemy to develop the extent of his move on this side before
taking any more of my troops to the south side. This I shall do,
of cx)urse, as rapidly as possible. I am going to have the roads
leading from White Oak Swamp to the Williamsburg road well
broken up with subsoil ploughs. 1 think that the enemy will then
have to build a corduroy there as he moves. He surely will, if
I can have a good gentle rain after the roads are thoroughly
ploughe<l. Can^t you apply this idea to advantage on your side
on the roads that General Grant will be obliged to travel if he
goes to Burkevillet I don't know, however, but that it would be
better for us to go to Burkeville and block the roads behind him.
If the roads that General Sherman must travel to get to Charleston
APPENDIX. ()41
or Siivaiinah can Ixj thoroughly ploughed and the trees felled over
thera, I think that General Sherman will not be able to get to his
destination in fifty days, as the Northern papers expect ; and it is
not thought to be possible that he can collect more than fifty days'
rations before rea<;hing the coast. If the parties are properly or-
gsiiiized, I think that they might destroy or injure all of the roads
so as to break down G^eneral Sherman- s animals, and i*esult in the
capture of most of his forces.
I remain, very respectfully, yours most obediently,
J. LONGSTREET,
Lieutenant- Oenercd.
IV.
Longstreet to Lee on Impressment of Gold and Measures for Final
Campaign.
[Confidential.]
Headquarters, February 14, 1865.
General E. E. Lee,
Commanding :
General, — Recent developments of the enemy's designs seem
to indicate an early cx)nc«ntration of his armies against Richmond.
This, of course, would involve a like concentration on our part,
or the abandonment of our capital. The latter emergency would,
I think, be almost fatal, — probably quite so, after our recent re-
vei'ses. To concentrate here in time to meet the movements of
the enemy we will be obliged to use the little of our Southern rail-
road that is left us in transporting our troops, so that we cannot
haul provisions over that route. I fear, therefore, that we will not
be able to feed our troops unless we adopt extraordinary efforts
and measures. I think that there is enough of the necessaries
of life left in Virginia and North Carolina to help us through our
troubles if we can only reach them. Impressing officers, how-
ever, nor collectors of taxes in kind, nor any other plan hereto-
fore employed, is likely to get those supplies in time or in quan-
tities to meet our necessities. The citizens will not give their
supplies up and permit their families and servants to suffer for
the necessaries of life without some strong inducement. For
each one may naturally think that the little that he would supply
by denying himself Jind family would go but little way where so
much is needed. He does not want Confederate money, for his
meat and bread will buy him clothes, etc., for his family more
readily and in larger quantities than the money that the govern-
ment would pay. The only thing that will insure our rations and
41
CA2 APPENDIX.
national existence is gM. Send out the gold through Virginia
and North Carolina and pay liberal prires, and my conviction is
that we shall have no more distress for want of food. The winter
is about over, and the families can and will subsist ou molasses,
bread, and vegetables for the balance of the year if they can get
gold for their supplier. There is a great deal of meat and bread
inside the enemy's lines that our people would bring us for gold ;
l>ut they won't go to that trouble for Confederate money. They
can keep gold so much ssifer than they can meat and bread, and it
is always food and clothing.
If the government has not the gold, it must impress it, or if
there is no law for the impressment, the gold must be taken with-
out the law. Necessity does not know or wait for law. If we
stop to make laws in order that we may reach the gold it will dis-
appear the day that the law is mentioned in ('ongress. To secure
it no one should suspect that we ai'e after it until we knock at the
tlooi's of the vaults that contain it, and we must then have guards
to l)e sure that it is not ma<le away with.
It seems to my mind that our ])rospects will be brighter than
they have been if we can only get food for our men ; and I think
that the plan that I have proposed will secure the food.
There seem to be many treasons for the opinion tliat the enemy
deems our cai>ital essential to him. To get the capital he will
concentrate here everything that he has, and we will be better
able to fight him when we shall have concentrate<l than when we
are in detachments. The Army of the Mississippi will get new
life and spirits as soon iis it finds itself alongside of this, and we
will fec4 more comfortable oui-selves to know that all are under
one eye and one head that is able to handle them.
I remain, most respectfully and truly, your obedient servant,
J. IjONGSTREET,
lAentenant' Creneral.
V.
Lee to Longstreet on Plamfor Campaign,
[Confidential.]
IlEAD-QUARTEnS COXFEDERATE STATES ARMIES,
February 22, 1865.
Lip:uten ant-General J. Ix^NGSTRE^yr,
Comnuinding^ etc. :
General, — Your letter of the 14th instant is received. It
arrived during my aKseuce in Richmond, and has not been over-
looked. I agree with you entirely in believing that if we had
APPENDIX. (543
gold we could get sufficient supplies for our army, but the great
difficulty is to obtain the gold. It is not in the coflfers of the gov-
ernment or the banks, but is principally hoarded by individuals
throughout the country, and is inaccessible to us. I hope, under
the reorganization of the commissary department, if we can
maintain possession of oui* communications, that the army will
be better supplied than heretofore, and that we cjiu accumulate
some provisions ahead. As regards the concentration of our
troops near the capital, the eflfect would be to produce a like
concentration of the enemy, and an increase of our difficulties in
obtaining food and forage. But this, whether for good or evil, is
now being accomplished by the enemy, who seems to be forcing
Generals Beauregard and Bragg in this direction. If Sherman
marches his army to Eichmond, as General Beauregard reports it
is his intention to do, and General Schofield is able to unite with
him, we shall have to abandon our position on the James Eiver,
BS lamentable as it is on every account. The want of supplies
alone would force us to withdraw when the enemy reaches the
Boanoke. Our line is so long, extending nearly from the Chicka-
hominy to the Nottoway, and the enemy is so close upon us, that
if we are obliged to withdraw we cannot concentrate all our
troops nearer than some point on the line of railroad between
Bichmond and Danville. Should a necessity, therefore, arise, I
propose to concentrate at or near Burkeville. The route for the
troops nodh of James Eiver would have to be through Eichmond,
on the road to Amelia Court- House, the cavalry passing up the
north bninch of the river, and crossing at some point above Eich-
mond. Pickett's division would take the route through Chester-
field (-ouit-House, crossing the Appomattox at Goode's Bridge.
With the army concentrated at or near Burkeville, our commu-
nications north and south would be by that railroad, and west by
the Southside Eailroad. We might also seize the opportunity of
striking at Grant, should he pursue us rapidly, or at Sherman,
before they could unite. I wish you to consider this subject, and
give me youi* views. I desire you also to make every preparation
to take the field at a moment's notice, and to accumulate all the
supplies you can. General Grant seems to be preparing to move
out by his left flank. He is accumulating neai- Hatchei-'s Eun
depots of supplies, and apparently concentrating a strong force
in that quarter. Yesterday and to-day trains have passed from
his right to his left loaded with troops, which may be the body
of eight thousand which you report having left Signal Hill yes-
terday. I cannot tell whether it is his intention to maintain his
644 APPENDIX.
position until his other columns approach nearer, or to anticipate
any movement by ns which he might suppose would then become
necessary. I wish you would watch closely his movements on
the north side of the river, and try and ascertain whether he is
diminishing his force. If he makes the move which appearances
now indicate, he may draw out his whole force, abandoning his
lines of defence, or hold them paitially and move with the re-
mainder of his troops.
I should like very much to confer with you on these subjects,
but I fear it will be impossible for me to go north of James Eiver,
and I do not know that it will be convenient lor you to come
here.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. Lee,
General.
P.S. — Can you not return Pickett's brigade to him in order
that I may withdraw Grimes's brigade from his line, its division
having been ordered to our right t
H. £. Li,
VI.
Longgtreet to Lee on Impressment of Men.
[Confidential.]
Headquarters, February 23, 1865.
General R. E. Lee,
Comniandingj etc. :
General, — Your letter of yesterday is received. I think you
did not understand my letter of the 14th instant. My effort was
to express conviction that Sherman's move was aimed at Rich-
mond, and that Grant's concentration here would force us to do
the same thing ; and, that we might be able to do so, it was neces-
sary that we should liave gold, by impressment, to purchase our
produce supplies. I think that it is not too late yet. We can
surely get the gold by sending impressing officers with guards to
the vaults in which it is stored.
I undei'stand that there are twelve hundred men in Lynchburg
already organized, and that we may get eight or ten thousand men
in Richmond by taking everybody who is able to bear arms. The
staff-officers about Richmond would be nearly enough to officer
this force. If such a force can be raised and put in my lines, it
can hold them, I think, and my corps can move down to the
relief of Beauregard, or it may be moved over to our right, and
APPENDIX. 045
hold Grant in che<^k, so that Sherman will be obliged to unite with
him or seek a base at New-Berne or at Wilmington. This would
give Beiiuregard and B]*agg time to unite their forces to meet
Sherman and Scholield here or wherever they may appear. We
shall lose more men by a move than by a battle. It is true that
we may b<^ compelled to move after the battle, but I think not.
If we fight Sherman as I suggest, we shall surely drive him to the
water for fresh supplies, even if we are not otherwise successful.
Then we may have time to concentrate as soon as Grant, and re-
open the line of communication with the South.
The local and other troops that we may get from Richmond and
Lynchburg will have tolerably comfortable huts, and there will
be enough old soldiers amongst them to teach them picket duty.
There are also some cavalrymen who can aid them.
I should think that Grant, if he moves, can only make a partial
move, similar to his la«t, and that would not injure us very mate-
rially.
In pi*eparing to take the field, in view of the abandonment of
Richmond, is it your desire to keep our wagons about our camps
that we may move at once ! Our wagons are out all the time
gathering supplies, and at times some distance ; so that a very
sudden move would leave them behind. Shall we continue to
send them or keep them with us ! . . .
Your obedient servant,
J. LONGSTREET,
Lieutenant- General.
VII.
Lee to Lon^atreet,
Head-quarters, February 25, 1865.
General, — I have received your letters of the 23d and 24th
inst8. I fear I did not entirely comprehend your views ex-
pressed in your letter of the 14th. I think, however, my reply
meets your supposition, in the event of concentration by the
enemy. I shall in that case unite all the forces possible. I think
you are misinformed as to the number of men in Lynchburg. At
my last call upon General Colston, commissary there, he said he
had not one hundred men, and they were unarmed. I am ver^^
glad to hear that General Ewell can get force enough from Rich-
mond to man the lines north of James River. I know him to be
a bnive old soldier, ready to attempt anything, but I do not know
where he will find the men. Please see him and get a definite
statement^ for if that can be done it will lighten our labor consid-
040 APPENDIX.
«Tal»ly. Voii csiiinot afl'oril Xi} k«i'p your wagons by you. They
will liavf t4j \n» kept oolleetin^ provisions, forage, etc.. or yon will
Klane. I aiu making gnnit efforts to gather supplies, and send
m
yon Hiiine drxMiuients whidi will slitiw what the commissary-geii-
f'nil \h doing in addition to the o|H*nitions of the oflic*ers of hisde-
Iiailnient. It will Ih' a grievous thing to be obligetl to alKindon our
)K»sition. and I ho[H» the necessity will never arise, but it would
lie iiiori* grievous to k)w our army. I am fully alive to the benefits
4if pnM'uring g<ild, but Umr it eannot be obtaine<l in the way you
KUggf»st : still. I will try. I am much gratifie<l by the earnestness
and yj-ii] you display in our operations ; and wen^ our whole pop-
ulation animated by the same spirit, we should l>e invincible.
The last rcfjoils from S. ('. indicated that Sherman was turning
i*astward. It may 1m* to rciich the Pedw* in search of supplies.
Very n»sp«»<'tfnlly, your olxnlient servant.
RE. Lei-:,
Genet-aL
fi EN ERA I, I/>Nf;STKEET,
Commanding, etc.
VIII.
IjongHtreet to Lee on Impresttment of Gold.
HEAD-QUAKTER8 FlKWT CORPS,
February 26, 1865.
General K. E. Lee,
(hmm/tnfUnff :
(jENERAI.,— I have just heard from General Ewell indirectly
that he c^n niise force enough at Richmond to hold the lines on
this side, so that my corps may l>e withdrawn temi>orarily to your
right, that is, if you can put a part of the Second Corps in place
of Pickett's division. This aiTjingement will give you force
enough to meet any move that the enemy may make upon your
right. If he makes no move, then you can, when the proper mo-
ment arrives, detach a force to the aid of General Beauregaiil,
and if the enemy should then press you, you can abandon Petei's-
burg and hold your line here, and take up the line of the Appo-
mattox. But I think that the enemy will be forced to move a
force south the moment thjit he finds that you are reinforcing
against Sherman, else he will encounter the risk of losing Sherman
as well as Richmond. There is some hazard in the plan, but
nothing can be accomplished in war without risk.
The other important question is provisions. We ai'e doing
APPENDIX. 647
tolerably well by hauling from the country and paying market
prices in Confederate money. If you would give us gold I have
reason to believe that we could get an abundant supply for four
months, and by that time we ought to be able to reopen our com-
munication with the South. The gold is here, and we should
take it We have been impressing food and all of the necessaries
of life from women and children, and have been the means of
driving thousands from their homes in destitute conditions.
Should we hesitate, then, about putting a few who have made im-
mense fortunes at our expense to a little inconvenience by im-
pressing their gold ! It is necessary for us, and I do not think
that we should let our capital fall into the enemy's hands for fear
of injuring the feelings or interests of a few individuals. We
have expended too much of blood and treasure in holding it for
the last four years to allow it to go now by default. I think that
it may be saved. If it can, we should not leave any possible
contingency untried.
I think, however, that the enemy's positions are so well selected
and fortified that we must either wait for an opportunity to draw
him off from here or await his attack. For even a successful as-
saidt would cripple us so much that we could get no advantage
commensurate with our loss.
I remain with great respect, and truly, your obedient servant,
J. LONGSTBEET,
LieiUefMnt- General.
IX.
Longstreet to Lee on his " Peaces ^ Interview with General Ord.
Heai^quabters First Army Corps,
March 1, 1865.
General E. E. Lee,
Commanding :
General,— I had another interview with Msgor-General Ord
yesterday, and expressed the opinions that were spoken of in our
interview at the President's mansion on Sabbath last. He ac-
ceded promptly to my proposition that the war must cease if we
are to go to work to try to make peace, and to the proposal for a
military convention. I further claimed that we could not go into
convention upon any more favorable basis than an earnest desire
to arrange plans for peace that should be equally honorable for
both parties. To this also I understood him to give his unquali-
fied consent. He says that General Grant has the authority to
meet you if you have authority to appoint a military convention,
648 APPEXDIX.
and proposed thst yon should indicate your desire to meet Oen-
eral Grant, if yon felt authorized to do so. As he made this
proposition before mine, to the effect tliat General Grant should
express his desire to meet you, and as the interview between
General Ord and myself had been brought on at the request of
General Onl, I did not feel that I coidd well do otherwise than
promise to write to you of the disposition on their part to have
the interview. If you think it worth your time to in\ite Greneral
Grant to an interview^ it might be upon some other as the osten-
sible grounds, and this matter might be brought up incidentally.
I presume that Creneral Grant's first proposition will be to go into
('X>nvention upon the basis of reconstruction ; but if I have not
misunderstood General Ord's conversation. General Grant will
agree to take the matter up without requiring any principle as a
l)asis further than the general principle of desiring to make peace
upon teriiiH that are ec^ually honorable for both sides. I would
suggest that the interview take place on this side, and at the
place of meeting between General Ord and myself; because then*
are several little ]>oints upon which you should be posted before*
the interview, and I do not see that I can well do that by writing.
Besides^ as **the ice has already been broken'' on this side, your
interview would be relieved in a measure of the formalitv incident
to such occjisions. If it should be on this side, I hoi)e that you
will give me two or three days* notice. General Stevens is of the
opinion that one thousand negro laborers on this line during this
month will so strengthen our position that we will be able to
spare a division, and I am satisfied that we can do so if we can
have the work completed, and can get the aid that Greneral Ewell
promises us.
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. LONGSTREET,
Lieutenant' General.
X.
Lon^street to Lee on Exchange of Political Prisoners.
Head-quartees First Army Corps,
March 1, 1865.
General B. E. Lee,
Commanding :
General, — I neglected to mention in my letter just finished
that General Ord expressed some apprehension for General Grant
lest there might be some misunderstanding in regard to the ex-
change of political prisoners. The terms were general for the
APPENDIX. 649
exchange of this chiss of prisoners, but were not intended by him,
he says, to include such as were under charges for capital offences.
General Grant desired that you should be advised of this con-
struction of the terms.
I remain, respectfully, your most obedient servant,
J. LONGSTKEET,
lAeuienant- General.
XI.
Lee to Ixmgstreet on Interview vnJth General Grant.
Head QUABTEKS,
March 2, 1865.
General, — I have received to-day your letter of the Ist in-
stivnt, and concluded to propose an interview to General Grant.
As you desired to have two or three days' notice, I have appointed
Monday next, 6th instant, at eleven a.m., at the point suggested
by you. Will you send my letter to Gijueml Grant, and amxnge
with General Ord for the interview! If you will ride in to my
quarters on Saturday next, 4th instant, by ten a.m., in Eichmond,
I shall be happy to see you, when you can enlighten me on the
points you referred to in your letter.
I hope some good may result from the interview.
Very truly yours,
E. E. Lee,
General.
General J. Longstreet,
Ckmimanding, etc. :
P. S.— Seal the letter to General Grant before transmitting.
E. C L.
xn.
Longstreet to Lee urging Use of Gold.
Head-quarters First Army Corps,
March 7, 1865.
General E. E. Lee,
Commanding :
General, — I received a letter yesterday from a friend in the
interior of North Carolina assuring me that there are large
quantities of provisions in the State ; that many have two and
three years' supply on hand, and that gold will bring anything
(i^lf) APPENDIX-
that we n#^I to our armiHi. The gold » in the country, and most
of it lA lyinp^ idle. Jj^X ua take it at once and save Richmond,
and end the war. If we hold Richmond and keep our cotton, the
war frannot lar4 more than a year longer. If we give up Rich-
mond we Hhall never Ije recognized liy foreign powers until the
government of the l.'nited States sees tit to n-cognize us. If we
hold Kichmonfl and let the enemy have i>ur c«>tton. it seems to me
that we shall furnish him the means to carrv' on the war against
us. It looks to me as though the enemy had found that our policy
of destroying the cr>tton rather than let it fall into their hands
would break them down, and that it has forced them to the
policy of Sf*nding on here to make a contptict to feed and clothe
our anni<»s in order that thej' may get the means of carrying on
the war of suhjugsition. If we will keep our cotton and U8e our
gold our work will be comparatively easy.
I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. LONGSTREET,
Lieutenant' General.
xin.
Longstreef to Lee on guarding the Danville Railroad.
Headquarters First Army Corps,
March 20, 1865.
General R. E. Lee,
Commanding :
CJenerai-, — I presume that the enemy's next move will be to
raid tigaiiist the Danville Railroad, and think that it would be well
if we l)egin at once to make our arrangements to meet it. In order
that we may get the troops that may be necessary to meet such a
move, would suggest that we collect all the dismounted men of
Generals Fitz Tjee, Rosser, and Lomax, and put them behind our
strongest lines, and dniw out a corps of in&ntry and hold it in
ivndiness for the raid. Genenil W. H. F. Lee's dismounts might
also iKMiscd Ix^hind our works to greau adv^antage. With a cav-
alry force of two or three thousand men to hold the enemy in
(^heck, I think that our infantry may be able to oveilake the
raiding column. If we can get a large cavalry force I think that
wo would surely be able to destroy the raiding force.
I remain your obedient servant,
J. Longstreet,
Lieutenant- General.
APPENDIX. 651
XIV.
Longstreet to Assistant Adjutant- General Taylor an Suppressian of
Desetiion,
Head QUARTERS First Army Corps,
March 25, 1865.
LiKUTEXAXT-COT.ONEL W. H. TAYLOR,
AHHi^tant Adjutant- General :
The impressiou prevails amongst the Georgia troops of this
(x>iuiuand that persons at home having authority to raise local
organizations are writing and sending messages to the men in the
ranks here, offering inducements to them to quit our ranks and go
home and join the home organizations. The hirge and increjising
numl>er of de^sertions, particularly amongst the Georgia troops,
induces me to believe that some such outside influence must be
oiMjrating upon our men. Nearly all of the parties of desertens
s«H*m to go home, and it must be under the influence of some
l)romise, such as l>eing received in the local forces, I would sug-
gest, therefore, the publication of a general order warning all
ofti(*ei-s or pei'sons authorized to raise loisil organizations against
receiving such desertere or in any way harlK)ring them, and
cautioning all such parties that they shall be punished for such
crimes under the twenty -sei^ond and twenty-third Articles of
War. It may be well to publish the articles in the order, and to
send the order South to be published in all the Southern papers.
If the order is published, I would suggest that copies be sent to
the Southern papers by special messenger or by parties going
South who will take pains to have it published, otherwise I fear
it may miscarry or be delayed by our irregular mails. Another
growing evil seems to trouble us now in the shape of applications
to raise negro companies, regiments, brigades, etc. The desire
for promotion seeuLS to have taken passession of our army, and it
seems that nearlv all the officei's and men think that they could
gain a grade or more if allowed to go home. I pi'esume that
many may try to go merely because they get furloughs. I would
suggest, therefore, that some regulation be published upon this
subject, and it seems to me that it should require the companies
to be mustered in as non-commissioned officers and privates by
the enrolling officers, and that all of the officers (general, field,
and company) shall be selected from the officers, non-commis-
sioned officei-s, and privates on duty with the armies of the Con-
652 APPENDIX.
federacy. If these mattera are not speedily taken liold of by a
firm hand, I fesir that we shall be seriously damageil by them.
I remain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
(Signed) J. Longstkeet,
Lieutenant- General.
XV.
Longstreet to Lee on Sheridan s Operations.
Head-quarters First Army Corps,
March 28, 1865.
General E. E. Lee,
Commanding J etc. :
Your telegram asking if we can spare General Pickett's di
vision as a supporting force to our cjivalry is received. 1 sug-
gested that it should be sent on that service because I wjus appre-
hensive that our railroad would be in danger of being broken up
behind us, leaving us without supplies sufficient to hold Kich-
moud until our communications south could l)e re-established, or
in case Sheridan went to N. C, his mounted force would l)e too
formidable for that of General Johnston's, and that Greneral
Johnston would be in great danger if we shall not reinforce him.
I do not think that we can well spare the division. But I think
that we would choose a lesser risk by sparing it in case Sheri-
dan's cavalry makes either of these moves contemplated than
we would by holding him here to await the result of these opei-a-
tions. The enemy seems now to count upon taking Richmond by
raiding upon our lines of communication, and not by attacking
our lines of work. I think, therefore, we should endeavor to put
a force in the field that can contend against that of the enemy.
If Grant sends off his cavalry, he can hardly intend to make any
general move of his main army until its return. In every aspect
of affaii's, so far as I am advised, I think that the greater danger
is from keeping too close within our trenches. If we can remain
where we are independently of the railroad, and if Greneral
Johnston would l>e safe with such a force as Sheridan's operating
against him, in addition to Sherman's, we had better keep the
division here. You know much more about all those points than
I do, and are much better able to decide upon them. My supply
train is in from Northern Neck, and starts back to-morrow for
other provisions. If there is any impropriety in sending it back,
please telegraph me as soon as you receive this, that I may recall
it. We have about one hundred thousand pounds of meat near
APPENDIX. 653
Dublin and eiglit(»on 11ious;ind a1 New Boston. The C. S. com-
2)1aiiis that the niilrojid accents will not ship the meat unless it is
boxed. This eannot always Ik? done. If you can in any way aid
us in this matter, we shall do very well for some time to come.
I remain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
(Signed; J. Longstreet,
LieutenatU- General.
XVL
Longstreet to Adjutant- General Taylor on Policy towards New
Organizations.
Head-quarteks First Army Corps,
March 30, 1865.
Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Tayix)r,
Assistant Adjutant- G^n^ral :
Your letter expressing the views of the commander-in-chief in
reference to the policy to be pursued in raising negro troops is re-
ceive<l. I am appreheiLsive that we shall have applications and
evidence enough to take from us more men than we can well spare
at this critical moment in our affairs. It seems to me that any
]>erson who has the intiuenc^ to raise a company or a regiment by
going home could do so as well by lettei-s to his friends at home.
If I am right in this opinion, an order announcing that the offi-
cers of the companies and regiments of colored tnH)ps would Ihj
appointed from the officers, noncx>mmissioned ofttcei's, and pri-
vates on duty with our armies would have the effect of bringing
biK'k more absentee's than we should lose by nmking the appoint-
ments. If we may judge of our future success in getting up new
organizations by the pjust, we may rely upon it that many will
furnish the necessary evidence, and go home and ther<» remain for
eight and ten and twelve months. I think it would be well to pub-
lish a gen<M*al order, explaining more clearly the i)olicy indiciittnl
in your letter, in order that a better general understanding may
exist amongst the parties who may desire to furnish evidence of
their ability to get up new org;inizations. Otherwise I may adopt
rules which would not be as favorable to the officers and men of
this command as those of other commands.
1 remain very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) J. Longstreet,
Lieutenant- General.
()o4 APPENDIX.
XVII.
Lee to Longstreet on Proposed Publication of a Hii^Oiy of Virginia
Campaigns.
Lexington, Va., January 19, 1866.
General J. Longstreet :
3lY DEAR General, — Upon my return from Richmond, where
I ha\'e l)eeu for a week on business connected with Washington
College, I found your letter of the 26th ultimo. I regret very
much that you never received my first letter, as you might then,
perhaps, have given me the information I desired, with more ease
to youi>«»lf and with more expedition than now. I did not know
how to address it, but sent it to a friend in Richmond, who gjive
it to one of our officers going south, who transferred it to another,
etc., and after travelling many weary miles, luis been recently
returned to me. I start it again in pui*suit of you, though you
did not tell me how to address you. I have almost forgotten
what it contained, but I hope it will inform you of my purpose in
writing a history of the campaigns in Virginia, and of the object
that I have in view, so that you may give me all the information
in your power. I shall he in no hurry in publishing, and will not
do so until I feel satisfied that I have got the true story, as my
only object is to disseminate the truth. I am very sorry to hear
that your i^eeords wei^e destroyed too ; but I hope Sorrel and Lji-
trol>e will l)e able to supply you with all you requii-e. I wish to
relate the acts of all the corps of the Army of Northern Virginia
wherever they did duty, and do not wish to omit so important a
one as youi's. I will therefore wait as long as I can.
I shall ho ver>^ glad to receive anything you may give to Mr.
Washington McTjean, iis I know you re(*ommend no one but those
who deserve your good opinion.
I am delighted to hear that your arm is still improving, and
hoi)e it will soon be restored. You are, however, IxKJoming so sut-
complished with your left hand as not to need it. You uuist re-
memlKH" me very kindly to 3Ii*s. Longstreet and all your childi-eu.
I have not had an opportunity yet to return the compliment she
paid me. I had, while in Richmond, a great many inquiries after
you, and learned that you intended commencing business in
New Orleans. If you l)ecome as good a merchant as you were a
soldier, I shall be content. N*) one will then excel you, and no
one can wish you more success and more happiness than L My
APPENDIX. 055
interest and affection for you will never cease, and my prayers are
always oflfered for your prosperity.
I am most truly yours,
B. E. Lee.
XVIII.
Lee to Longstreet — Congraiulations.
Lexington, Va., January 26, 1866.
LONGSTEEET, OWEN & Co.,
New Orleans:
Gentlemen, — ^I am much obliged to you for your business card,
and the pleasure it has afforded me to know that you have en-
tered into partnership. I know you will do your work well, and
please myself, therefore, with the prospect of your great success.
I wrote to your senior a few days since, at Macon, Mississippi,
and hope he will receive my letter. I do not consider my partner-
ship with him yet dissolved, and shall not let go him during life.
Wishing you all happiness and prosperity, I am, with great
affection, your obedient servant,
R, E. Lee.
XIX.
Lee to Longstreetj Buggeding the Preparation of his Memoirs.
Lkxington, Va., March 9, 1866.
GeNEEAL J. LONGSTREET :
My dear General — Your son &arland handed me a few days
since your letter of the 15th of January, with the copies of your
reports of operations in East Tennessee, Wilderness, Virginia^ and
of some of my official letters to you. I hope you will be able to
send me a report of your operations around Suffolk and Rich-
mond previous to the evacuation of that city, and of any of my
general orders which you may be able to collect.
Can you not occupy your leisure time in preparing your memoii*s
of the war ? Every officer whose position and character would
give weight to his statements ought to do so. It is the only way
in which we may hope that fragments of truth will reach pos-
terity. Mrs. Longstreet will act as your amanuensis. I am very
sorry that your arm improves so slowly. I trust it will be eventu-
ally restored te you. You must present my kindest regards to
Mrs. Longstreet. I hope your home in New Orleans will be
C^oC) APPENDIX.
liappy ; that your life, wliich is dear to me, may be long and
j)rosperon8.
Most truly yours,
R E. Lee.
XX.
Longstreet to Lee on Battle of Gaines's Mill.
New Orleans, La., March 20, 1866.
General R. E. Lee,
Lexington^ Va, :
My dear General, — Your favor of the 9th instant is re-
ceived. The papers or copies sent by Garland contain every-
thing that I have or can get in the shape of your letters and
orders. I shall be able to give you an account of movements,
etc., cx)nnected with the Suifolk campaign and the siege of Eich-
mond when I can get our diaries, — that is. Sorrel's, Latrobe's,
and my own. But I fear that I shall not be able to do so in time
to meet your desires. I shall send all that I can gather together
to your house as soon as I can. I have sometimes thought that I
would make the effort to write at some future time, but begin to
despair of my arm. It is too much labor to write with my left
hand, and it gives me inconvenience, indeed pain, to keep my right
hand in the constmined position necessary in writing. Our busi-
ness affairs occupy my days from nine till four p.m., so I am glad
to give my arm rest after that time. Mrs. Longstreet would be
rather a poor amanuensis in the evening, my only spare time, as
her two little boys, Lee and Jim, occupy most of her time. She
is trying to get a picture of Lee to send you. I delivered your
messjige that you ^' regretted that you had not been able to return
the compliment." To go back to history and the war. There is
one portion of our records as written that I should like cor-
rected,— the battle of Gaines's Mill. Your report of that battle
doe« not recognize the fact that the line in my front, that is, the
enemy's line, was broken by the troops that were under my
orders and handling. A part of Jackson's command, being astray,
repoi-ted to me just as I was moving my column of attack for-
ward,— Whiting's division, — and I put it in my column of attack,
as stated in my report. I think that you must have overlooked
my report on this point, and have been guided by Jackson's.
Jiickson knew nothing of the matter of my having his troops, I
suppose, and merely made his repoit from riding over the ground
after the battle. I presume that he was not within one mile of
APPKNDIX. 057
the division wlioii I put it in, and liad no idea of its wlicreal>outs.
Oeneial Whitinj^ rex)ortod to mo that he had lost his way, anil
did not kn(»w where to ILnd Geneml Jackson, and offered his
lrooi)S if 1 had use for theui. I was tlien moving to assault, and
put Whiting in a little behind Pickett's brigade. The commands
made the iissiiult together, and broke the enemy's line. Ander-
son's brigade followed and sei'ured it, the assjiulting C4)lumns
being somewhat broken in making the charge. Just after break-
ing his lines the enemy made a severe attack, and would have
recoveriMl his position, I think, but for the timely support of
Andei-son's and Kemper's brigades at this point. Another fact
should not l)e lost sight of in this connection. A. P. Hill had
uiade several formidable attacks at the Siime jmint, and had fought
nuin fully against it for several hours, and though not entirely suc-
cessful, he nuist have made a decided impression, and have injured
the enemy a^ much a« he was himself injured, and thiLs wejikened
the enemy's lines so as to enable us to break them. It is quito
common to give those credit only who show results, but it fre-
quently hapi)ens, as in this case, that there are others who merit
as much who are not known by I'esults, — that is, who are not seen
by others than those on the ground.
1 f you can come across my son when you have an idle moment,
I hope that you will give him a few words of kindly advice and
encouragement. He is taught to look up to you jis superior to
othei*s. Mrs. Longstreet joins me in alTectionate salutations.
I remain very truly yours,
J. Longstreet.
Lee to IjO)igH(reet — Situation and Prospects,
Lexington, Va., May 25, 1866.
fiEXERAL J. Longstreet :
My dear (jrENERAL, — 1 was Very glad to receive your letter
of the 18th, but you tohl me so little of yourself that I presume
you intend writing to me again shortly. But what you did say
w.is very satisfactory, and I am much pleased to know tliat your
])rospects iiua commercial point of view are good and progressive.
I hope they may regularly and surely advance. I fc^l nuich
ol)liged by your kind proposition as regards myself. For the
])restmt I must remain where I am. When I see that I have done
all the good that I c^n accomplish for Washington College I may
lind it necessjiry to do something that Avill enable me to procure a
42
008 APPKNDIX.
(•oiii]M*ti»iice f«>r my fiiiiiily. T will then turn my liaml to wliatevor
may offor. For mys(*lf I want nothin*; hut my food juul clothes.
I send in com])liaucc with your requi'st a numher of autographs,
enough, I should think, to last for all time ; hut if they will he of
anv service to you I will st»nd more. Mr. Lowe has not vet
i*eaclied Lexington. It will give me phiisui-e to see him when he
d<K*s, as he eonu»s from you. As you did not mention your arm,
I iKJpe that is im]>roving Uhk You must never omit to mention
it, Mi-s. LongstitHjt, and your childiHMi when you write. I see
Garland very olten in my walks, hut very nirely at my house. . .
All unite in kindest ivganls to yoursi'lf and family.
Most truly yours,
B. E. Lee.
xxn.
The following letter appears in the Records of the Bebellion
as from General Lee :
Hkad-qi'arters Army of Northern Virginia,
Chambersburg, June 28, 1863, 7.30 A.if.
LiEi'TEN ANT- General R. S. Ewell,
Comnunidhig Cfjrpx:
Genkral,— I wrote you last night stutiiig that General Hooker was
rejM)rted to havo croBSi'd tlie Potomac and is advancing by the way of
MiddU'town, the hoad of his coluniii U-in^ at that point in FrediTiek
County. I direeti'd you in that letter to move your forcH.'S to this |>oint.
If you have not already j>roj?re«sed on that road, and if you have no
go<Kl reiwon a^aiuHt it, 1 <le8ire you to move in the direction of Gettys-
burg r/a Heidlersl)urg, wliere you will have a turnpike moHt of the way,
and you can thus join your other divinions to Early's, which is east of
the mountains. I think it preferable to keep on the east side of the
mountains.
R. K. Lee,
OcticraL
This letter was taken from General I^ee's letter-book, but in
that book it is noted that the record m made from memory, and that
point is also mentioned in the Reeords of the Rebellion. The in-
ference, therefore, is that tlu^ original draught of the letter was
lost or misplaced.
That the letter tus recorded is not connect ly diited is proved by
all contemporaneous orders and movements.
General Lee's ordei-s for the 29th, issucMl on the 28th, were for
the advance of his army against Harrisburg. The oinlers were
changed after night upon the report of the scout. When about
to march on the 29th, under his original orders, General Ewell
APPENDIX. 659
received the orders issued after the sc*cmt made his report, which
called for concentration at Cashtown, in conjunction with the
orders issued for the other commands.
The body of the above letter is as far from the movements
made as the date is from other orders, for it indicates a march of
the Second in a body, while its divisions marched separately, —
E. Johnson's back on the Chambersburg road to Green Village
or Scotland, thence east to the Chambersburg-Gettysburg road,
near Greenwood ; Bodes's division marched via Heidlersburg,
and Early's via Hunterstown. The historian should be careful,
therefore, when he comes to consider this letter, for it will put to
confusion all iiacts with which it is connected. Errors in history
are heart-rending. Truth may be mortifying, but it passes the
glories of Libanus and the beauties of Carmel and Sharon.
APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXIII.
THE UNION ARMY AT FREDERICKSBURG, VA.
Army of the Potomac, Major-General Ambrose E. Bltrnside.
Encort, etc, : Oneida (N. Y.) Cav., Capt. Daniel P. Mann ; Ist U. 8.
Cav. (detaciiment), Capt. Marcus A. Reno ; A and E, 4tli U. 8. Cav.,
Capt. James B. Melntyre. Provost Ouard^ Brig.-Gen. Marsena R. Pat-
rick ; A and B, McClellan (III.) Dragoons, Capts. Oeorge W. Shears and
David C. Brown ; G, 9tii N. Y., Capt. Charles Child ; 93d N. Y., Col.
John S. Crocker ; 2d U. 8. Cav., Maj. Charles J. Wliitiug ; 8th U. 8.,
Capt. Royal T. Frank. Vohinteer Engineer Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. Daniel
P. Woodbury ; 15th N. Y., Maj. James A. Magruder ; 50th X. Y., Maj.
Ira Spaulding. Battalion U, S, Engineers^ Lieut. Charles E. Cross.
Artillery, Brig.-Gen. Henry J. Hunt i—Artiltery Reserve^ Lieut,-
Col. William Hays ; 5th X. Y., Capt. Elijah D. Taft ; A, 1st Batt. N. Y.,
Capt. Otto Diederichs ; B, 1st Batt. N. Y., Capt. Adolph Voegelee ; C, Ist
Batt. N. Y., Lieut. Bernhard Wever ; D, Ist Batt. N. Y., Capt. Charles
Kusserow ; K, 1st U. 8., Capt. William M. Graham ; A, 2d U. 8., Capt.
John C. Tidball ; G, 4th U. 8., Lieut. Marcus P. Miller ; K, 5th U. 8.,
Lieut. David H. Kinzie ; C, 32tl Mass. (train guard), Capt. Josiah C.
Fuller. Unattached Artillcrij^ Maj. Thomas 8. Trumbull ; B, 1st Conn.
Heavy, Capt. Albert F. Brooker ; M, 1st Conn. Heavy, Capt. Franklin
A. Pratt.
Right Grand Division, Major-General Edwin V. Sumner.
8ecx>nd Army Corps, Major-General Darius N. Couch.
First Division, Brig.-Gen. Winfield 8. Hancock i—First Brigade,
Brig.-Gen. John C. Caldwell, Col. George W. von Schack ; 5th N. H.,
Col. Edward E. Cross, Maj. E. E. Sturtevant, Capt. James E. Larkin,
Capt. Horace T. H. Pierce ; 7th N. Y., Col. George W. von Schack,
Capt. G. A. von Bransen ; 61st N. Y., Col. Nelson A. Miles;* 64th N.
Y., Lieut. -Col. Enos C. Brooks ;» 81st Pa., Col. H. Boyd McKean,
Capt. William Wilson ; 145th Pa., Col. Hiram L. Brown, Lieut.-Col.
David B. McCreary. Second Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Thomas F. Meagher ;
28th Mass., Col. Richard Byrnes ; 63d N. Y., Maj. Joseph O'Neill, Capt.
Patrick J. Condon ; 69th N. Y., Col. Robert Nugent, Capt. James Saun-
ders ; 88th N. Y., Col. Patrick Kelly ; 116th Pa., Col. Dennis Heenan,
Lieut.-Col. St. Clair A. MulhoUand, Lieut. Francis T. Qulnlan. Third
Brigade, Col. Samuel K. Zook ; 27th Conn., Col. Richard 8. Bosswick ;
2d Del., Col. William P. Baily ; 52d N. Y., Col. Paul Frank; 57th
* Commanded 6l8t and 64th N. Y., consolidated.
660
APPENDIX. 661
N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Alford B. Chapman, Major N. Garrow Throop, Capt.
James W. Britt ; 66th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. James H. Bull, Capt. Julius
Wehlo, Capt. John 8. Hammell, Lieut. James G. Derrickson ; 53d Pa.,
Col. John R. Brooke. ArtUlery, B, Ist N. Y., Capt. Rufus D. Petti t ;
i.% 4th U. 8., Lieut. Evan Thomas.
8e(X)ND Divisiox, Brig.Gen. Oliver O. Howard i— First Brigade^
Brig.-Gen. Alfred 8ully ; 19th Me., Col. Frederick D. Sewall, Lieut.-
Col. Francis E. Heath ; 15th Mass., Major Chase Phllbrlek, Capt. John
Murkland, Capt. Charles H. Watsou ; 1st Co. Mass. Sharp-shooters,
Capt. William Plumer ; Ist Minn., Col. George N. Morgan ; 2d Co. Miun.
Sharp-shooters, Capt. William F. Russell; 34th N. Y., Col. James A.
Suiter; 82d N. Y. (2d Militia), Lieut.-Col. James Huston. Second BrU
gade^ Col. Joshua T. Owen ; 69th Pa., Lieut.-Col. Dennis O^Rane ; 7l8t
Pa., Lieut.-Col. John Markoe; 72d Pa., Col. Do Witt C. Baxter; 106th
Pa., Col. Turner G. Morehead. Third Brigade, Col. Xorman J. Hall ;
19tli Massachusetts, Capt. H. G. O.Weymouth ; 20th Mass., Capt. Gteorge
N. Macy ; 7th Mich., Lieut.-Col. Henry Baxter, Maj. Thomas H. Hunt ;
42d N. v., Lieut.-Col. George N. Bomford ; 59th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Wil-
liam Xorthedge ; 127th Pa., Col. William W. Jennings. Artillery^ A,
1st R. I., Cai>t. William A. Arnold ; B, 1st R. I., Capt. John G. Hazard.
Third Division, Brig.-Gen. William H. French :— First Brigade^
Brig.-Gen. Nathan Kimball, Col. John S. Miison ; 14th Ind., Maj. Elijah
H. C. Cavins ; 24th N. J., Col. William B. RoberUjon ; 28th N. J., Col.
Moses N. Wise well, Lieut.-Col. E. A. L. Roberts ; 4th Ohio, Col. John
S. Mason, Lieut.-Colonel James H. Gk)dman, Capt. Gordon A. Stewart;
8th Ohio, Lieut.-Col. Franklin Sawyer ; 7th W. Va., Col. Joseph Snider,
Lieut.-C*)l. Jonathan H. Lock wood. Second Brigade^ Col. Oliver H.
Palmer; 14th Conn., Lieut.-Col. Sanford H. Perkins, Capt. Samuel H.
Davis; I08th N. Y, Lieut.-Col. Charles J. Powers; 130th Pa., Col.
Henry I. Zinn, Captain William M. Porter. Third Brigade, Col. John
W. Andrews, Lieut.-Col. William Jameson, Lieut-Col. John W. Mar-
shall ; Ist Del., Maj. Thomas A. Smyth ; 4th N. Y., Col. John D. Mac-
Gregor, Lieut.-Col. William Jameson, Maj. Charles W. Kruger; 10th
N. Y., Col. John E. Benedix, Capt. Salmon Winchester, Capt cieorge
F. Hopper; 132d Pa., Lieut.-Col. Charles Albright Artillery, G, Ist
N. Y., Capt. John D. Frank ; G, Ist R I., Capt. Charles D. Owen.
Artillery Reserve, Capt Charles H. Morgan ; 1, 1st U. S., Lieut
Edmund Kirby ; A, 4th U. S., Lieut. Rufus King, Jr.
Ninth Army Corps, Brio adier-Gen era l Orlando B. Willoox.
FjHcort, B, 6th N. Y. Cav., Capt. Hillman A. Hall ; C, 6th N. Y. Cav.,
Capt. William L. Heermance.
First Division, Brig.-Gi»n. William W. Burns :— First Brigade, Col.
Orlando M. Poe : 2d Mieh., Lieut-Col. Louis Dillman ; 17th Mich,, Col.
William H. Withington ; 20th Mich., Col. Adolphus W. Williams ; 79th
X. Y., Lieut.-Col. David Morrison. Second Bngadc, Col. Benjamin C.
Christ ; 29th Mass., Lieut.-Col. Joseph H. Barnes ; 8th Mich., Maj. Ralph
Ely ; 27th N. J., Col. George W. Mindil ; 46th N. Y., Lieut.-CoL Joseph
Gerhardt ; 50th Pa., Lieut.-Col. Thomas S. Brenholtz. 2'hird Brigade,
Col. Daniel Leasure ; 36th Mass., Col. Henry Bowman ; 45th Pa., CoL
6G2 APPENDIX.
Tliomas Welsh; 100th Pa., Lieut.-Col. David A. Leckey. ArtUleryj D,
1st N. Y., Capt. Tliomas W. Osburn ; L and M, 3d U. 8., Lieut Horace
J. Hay den.
Second Division, Brig.-Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis :—i^r«< Brigade^
Brig.-Gen. Janie« Nagle ; 2d Md., Col. Thomas B. AUard ; 6th N. H.,
Col. Simon G. Griffin ; 9th N. H., Lieut-Col. John W. Babbitt ; 48th Pa.,
Col. Joshua K. Sigfricd ; 7th R I., Col. Zenas R Bliss ; 12th It L, Col.
GJeorge H. Browne. Second Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. Edward Ferrero ; 2l8t
Mass., Col. William S. Clark ; 35th Mass., Maj. Sidney WllUrd, Capt
Stephen H. Andrews ; 11th N. H., Col. Walter Harrlman ; 5l8t N. Y.,
Col. Bobert B. Potter ; 51st Pa., Col. John F. Hartranfb. ArtUlen/, L,
2d N. Y., Capt Jacob Roemer ; D, Pa., Capt George W. Durell ; D, Ist
R I., Capt William W. Buckley ; E, 4th U. S., Lieut George Dicken-
son, Lieut. John Egan.
Third Division, Brig.-Gen. George W. GK?tty \— First BHgade, Col.
Rush C.Hawkins; 10th N. H., Col. Michael T. Donohoe; 13th N. H.,
CoL Aaron F. Stevens; 25th N. J., CoL Andrew Derrom ; 9th N. Y.,
Lieut.-Col. Edgar A. Kimball ; 89th N. Y., Col. Harrison S. Falrchild ;
103d N. Y., Col. Benjamin Ringold. Second Bngaile, Col. Edward
Harland ; 8th Conn., Maj. John E. Ward, Capt Henry M. Hoyt ; 11th
Conn., Col. Griffin A. Stedman, Jr. ; 15th Conn., Lieut.-Col. Samuel
ToUes ; 16th Conn., Capt. Charles L. Upham ; 21st Conn., Col. Arthur
H. Dutton ; 4th R. I., Lieut.-Col. Joseph B. Curtis, Maj. Martin P.
Buffum. Artillery, E, 2d U. S., Lieut Samuel N. Benjamin; A, 5th
U. S., Lieut James Gilliss.
Cavalry Division, Brig.-Gen. Alfred Pleasonton i—Firat Brigade,
Brig.-Gen. John F. Farnsworth ; 8th 111., Col. William Gamble ; 3d Ind.,
Maj. George H. Chapman ; 8th N. Y., Col. Benjamin F. Davis. Second
Brigade, Col. David McM. Gregg, Col. Thomas C. Devin ; 6th N. Y.,
Col. Thomas C. Devin, Lieut-Col. Duncan McVicar ; 8th Pa., Lieut.-
Col. Amos E. Griffiths ; 6th U. S., Capt George C. Cram. ArtUlery, M,
2d U. S., Lieut Alexander C. M. Pennington, Jr.
Centre Grand Division, Major-General Joseph Hooker.
Third Army Corps, Brigadier-General George Stoneman.
First Division, Brig.-Gen. David B. Birney i—Firat Brigade, Brig.-
Gen. John C. Robinson ; 20th Ind., Col. John Van Valkenburg ; 63d Pa.,
Maj. John A. Dunks ; 68th Pa., Col. Andrew H. Tippin ; lOoth Pa., Col.
Amor A. McKnight ; 114tli Pa., Col. Charles H. T. Collis ; Hist Pa., Col.
Henry J. Madill. Secofid Brigade, Brig.-Gen. J. H. Hobart Ward ; 3d
Me., Col. Moses B. Lakeman ; 4th Me., Col. Elijah Walker ; 38th N. Y.,
Lieut.-Col. William Birney ; 40th X. Y., Lieut.-Col. Nelson A. Ges-
ner; 55th N. Y., Col. P. Regis de Trobriand ; 57th Pa., Col. Charles
T. Campbell, Lieut-Col. Peter Sides ; 99th Pa,, Col. Asher S. Leidy,
Lieut-Col. Edwin R Biles. Tliird Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Hiram G.
Berry ; 17th Me., Col. Thomas A. Roberts ; 3d Mich., Maj. Moses B.
Houghton ; 5th Mich., Lieut-Col. John Gllluly, Maj. Edward T. Sher-
lock ; 1st N. Y., Col. J. Frederick Pierson ; 37th N. Y., Col. Samuel B.
Hayman ; lOlst N. Y., Col. George F. Chester. Artillery, Capt. George
APPENDIX. 663
E. Randolph ; E, Ist R. I., Lieut. Pardon S. Jastram ; F and K, 3d
U. S., Lieut. John G. Turnbull.
Second Division, Brig.-Gten. Daniel E. Sickles c—i-Vya^ Brigade^
Brig.-Gen. Joseph B. Carr ; Ist Mass., Lieut.-CJol. Clark B. Baldwin,
Col. Napoleon B. McLaughlen ; 11th Mass., Col. William Blaisdell ; 16th
Mart-s., Col. Thomas R. Tannatt ; 2d N. H., Col. Oilman Marston ; 11th
N. J., Col. Robert McAllister ; 26th Pa., Lieut.-Col. Benjamin C. Tilgh-
man. Second Brigade^ Col. George B. Hall ; 70th N. Y., Col. J. Egbert
Farnum ; 7l8t N. Y., Maj. Thomas Rafferty ; 72d N. Y., Col. William O.
Stevens ; 73d N. Y., Col. William R. Brewster ; 74th N. Y., Lieut.-CoL
William H. Lounsbury ; 120th N. Y., Col. George H. Sharpe. ITiird
Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. Joseph W. Revere ; 6th N. J., Col. William J.
Sewell; 6th N. J., Col. George C. Burling; 7th N. J., Col. Louis R
Francine ; 8th N. J., Col. Adolphus J. Johnson ; 2d N. Y., Col. Sidney
W. Park ; 115th Pa., Lieut.-Col. William A. Olmsted. ArtUlery, Capt
James E. Smith ; 2d N. J., Capt. A. Judson Clark ; 4th N. Y., Lieut. Jo-
seph E. Nairn ; H, Ist U. 8., Lieut. Justin E. Dimick ; K, 4th U. 8.,
Lieut. Francis W. Seeley.
Third Division, Brig.-Gen. Amiel W. Whipple :— First Brigade^
Brig.-Gen. A. Sanders Piatt, Col. Emlen Franklin ; 86th N. Y., Lieut-
Col. Barna J. Chapin ; 124th N. Y., Col. A. Van Home Ellis ; 122d Pa.,
Col. Emlen Franklin. Secofid Brigade^ Col. Samuel 8. Carroll ; 12th
N. H., Col. Joseph H. Potter ; 163d N. Y., Maj. James J. Byrne ; 84th
Pa., Col. Samuel M. Bowman ; 110th Pa., Lieut.-Col. James Crowther.
ArtUfery, 10th N. Y., Capt. John T. Bruen ; 11th N. Y., Capt Albert A.
von Puttkammer ; H, Ist Ohio, Lieut. George W. Norton.
Fifth Army Corps, Brigadier-General Daniel Butterfield.
First Division, Brig.-Gen. Charles Griffin :— First Brigade^ Col.
James Barnes ; 2d Me., Lieut.-Col. George Varney, Maj. Daniel F. Sar-
gent ; 2d Co. Mass. Sharp-shooters, Capt. Lewis E. Went worth ; 18th
Mass., Lieut.-Col. Joseph Hayes; 22d Mass., Lieut.-Col. William 8.
Tilton ; Ist Mich., Lieut.-Col. Ira C. Abbott ; 13th N. Y., Col. Elisha
G. Marshall, Lieut.-Col. Francis A. Sehoetfel ; 25tli N. Y., Capt. Pat-
rick Connelly ; 118th Pa., Lieut.-Col. James Gwyn. Second Brigade,
Col. Jacob B. Sweitzer ; 9th Mass., Col. Patrick R Guiney ; 32d Mass.,
Col. Francis J. Parker ; 4th Mich., Lieut.-Col. Gkjorge W. Lumbard ; 14th
N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Thomas M. Davies ; 62d Pa., Lieut.-Col. James C.
Hull. Third Brigade, Col. T. B. W. Stockton ; 20th Me., Col. Adelbert
Ames ; Bra<ly'8 Co. ;Mi<»h. Sharp-shooters, Lieut. Jonas H. Titus, Jr. ;
16th Mich., Lieut.-Col. Norval E. Welch ; 12th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Rolwt
M. Richardson ; 17th N. Y., Capt. John Vickers ; 44th N. Y., Lieut.-Col.
Freeman Conner, Maj. Edward B. Knox ; 83d Pa., Col. Strong Vin-
cent. ArtUlery, 3d Mass., Capt. Augustus P. Martin ; 5th Mass., Capt.
Charles A. Phillips ; C, 1st R I., Capt Richard Waterman ; D, 5th U. 8.,
Lieut. Charles E. Hazlett. Sharp-shooters, 1st U. S., Lieut.-Col. Casper
Trepp.
Second Division, Brig.-Gk?n. Gteorge Sykes :— First Brigade, Lieut-
Col. Rol)ert C. Buchanan ; 3d U. S., Capt. John D. Wilkins ; 4th U. 8.,
Capt Hiram Dryer ; Ist Battn., 12th U. S., Capt Matthew M. Blunt ;
664 APPENDIX.
2d Battn., 12th U. S., Capt. Thomas M. Andersoti ; Ist Battn., 14th U. S.,
Capt. John D. O'Oonnell ; 2d Battn., 14th U. S., Capt. Giles B. Overton.
Second Brigade, Maj. George L. Andrews, Alaj. Cliarles S. Lovell ; 1st
and 2d U. 8. (battn.), Capt. Salem 8. Marsh ; 6th U. 8., Capt. Levi C.
Bootes ; 7th U. 8. (battn.), Capt. David P. Hancock ; 10th U. 8., Capt.
Henry E. Maynadier ; 11th U. 8., Capt. Charles 8. Russell ; 17th and
19th U. 8. (battn.), Capt. John P. Wales. TThird Brigade, Brig. -Gen.
Gouverneur K. Warren ; 5th N. Y., Col. Cleveland Winslow ; 140th
N. Y., Col. Patrick H. G^Rorke; 146th N. Y., Col. Kenner Garrard.
Artillery , L, Ist Ohio, Lieut. Frederick Dorries ; I, 5th U. 8., Lieut. Mal-
bone F. Watson.
Third Division, Brig.-Gen. Andrew A. Humphreys x^Firnt Bri-
gade, Brig.-Gen. Erastus B. Tyler ; 91st Pa., Col. Edgar M. Gregory ;
126th Pa., Col. James G. Elder, Lleut.-Col. David W. Rowe ; 129th Pa.,
(^ol. Jacob G. Frick ; 134th Pa., Lieut.-Col. Edward O^Brien. Second.
Brigade, Col. Peter H. Allabach ; 123d Pa., Col. John B. Clark ; ISlst
Pa., Lieut-Col. William B. 8haut ; 133d Pa., Col. Franklin B. 8peak.
man ; 155th Pa,, Col. Edward J. Allen. Artillery, C, Ist N. Y., Lieut.
William H. Phillips ; E and G, Ist U. 8., Capt. Alauson M. Randol.
Cavalry Briqadb, Brig.-Gen. William W. Averell ; Ist Mass., Col.
Horace B. 8argent ; 3(1 Pa., Lieut.-Col, Edward 8. Jones ; 4th Pa., Col.
James K. Kerr ; 5th U. 8., Capt. James E. Harrison. Artillery, B and
L, 2d U. 8., Capt. James M. Robertson.
Left Grand Division, Major-General William B. Franklin.
Escort, 6th Pa. Cav., Col. Richard H. Rush.
First Army Corps, Major-General John F. Reynolds. Escort, L,
1st Me. Cuv., Capt. Constautine Taylor.
First Division, Brig.-€k'n. Abner Doubleday : — First Brigade, Col.
Walter Phelps, Jr. ; 22d N. Y., Lieut.-Col. John McKie, Jr. : 24th N. Y.,
Lieut.-Col. Samuel R Beardsley ; 30th N. Y., Lieut.-Col. Morgan H.
Chrysler; 84th N. Y. (14th Militia), Lieut.-Col. William H. de Bevoist^ ;
2d U. 8. 8harp-8hooters, Maj. Homer R. Stoughton. Second Brigade,
Col. James Gavin ; 7th Ind., Lieut.-Col. John F. CluH*k ; 76th N. Y.,
Col. William P. Wainwright ; 95th N. Y., Col. George H. Biddle ; 56th
Pa., Lieut.-Col. J. William Hofmann. Third Brigade, Col. William F.
Rogers ; 2l8t N. Y., Capt. George N. Layton ; 23d N. Y., Col. Henry C.
Hoffman ; 35th N. Y., Col. Newton B. Lord ; 80th N. Y. {20th Militia),
Lieut.-Col. Jacob B. Hardenl)ergh. Fourth Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Solo-
mon Meredith, Col. Lysander Cutler ; 19th Tnd., Lieut.-Col. Ranuicl J.
Williams; 24th Mich., Col. Henry A. Morrow; 2d Wis., Col. Lucius
Fairchild ; 6th Wis., Col. Lysander Cutler, Lieut.-Col. E<hvard 8.
Bragg; 7th Wis., Col. William W. Robinson. Arfi/fn^, Capt. George
A. Gerrish, Capt. John A. Reynolds; 1st N. H., Lieut. Frederick M.
Edgell; L, 1st N. Y., Capt. John A. Reynolds; B, 4th U. 8., Lieut.
James 8tewart.
8ecx)ND Division, Brig.-Gen. John Gibbon, Brig.-Gen. Nelson Tay-
lor i^First Brigade, Col. Adrian R. Root; 16th Me., liieut.-Col. Charles
W. Tilden ; 94tli N. Y., Maj. John A. Kress ; KUth N. Y., Maj. OiU)ert
G, Prey; 10.5th N. Y., Maj. Daniel A. Sharp, Capt. Abraham Moore j
APPENDIX. 665
107th Pa., Col. Thomas F. McCoy. Second Brigade, Col. Pet^r Lyle ;
12th Mass., Col. James L. Bates ; 26th N. Y., Lieut. -Col. Gilbert 8.
Jeiiniugs, Muj. Ezra F. Wetmore; 90th Pa., Lieut.-Col. William A.
Leech ; 136th Pa., Col. Tliomas M. Bayne. Third Brigade, Brig.-Geii.
Nelson Taylor, Col. Hamuel H. Leonard ; 13th Mass., Col. Samuel H.
Leonard, Lieut.-Col. N. Walter Batchelder ; 83d N. Y. (9th Militia),
Capt. John Hendriekson, Capt. Joseph A. Moeseh, Lieut. Isaac E.
Hoagland ; 97th N. Y., Col. Charles Wheeloek ; 11th Pa., Col. Rich-
ard Coulter, Capt. Cliristian Kuhn ; 88th Pa., Maj. David A. Griffith.
Artillery, Capt. George F. Leppien ; 2d Me., Capt. James A. Hall ; 5th
Me., Capt. G^eorge F. Leppien ; C, Pa., Capt. James Thompson ; F, 1st
Pa., Lieut. R. Bruce Ricketts.
Third Division, Maj.-Gen. George G. Meade i-^First Brigade, Col.
William Sinclair, Col. William McCandless; 1st Pa. Reserves, Capt
William C. Talley ; 2d Pa. Reserves, Col. William McCandless, Capt.
Timothy Mealey ; 6th Pa. Reserves, Maj. Wellington H. Ent ; 13th Pa.
Iteserves (1st Rifles), Capt. Charles F. Taylor; 121st Pa., Col. Chapman
Biddle. Second Brigade, Col. Albert L. Magilton ; 3d Pa. Reserves,
Col. Horatio G. Sickel ; 4th Pa. Reserves, Lieut.-Col. Richard H. Wool-
worth ; 7th Pa. Reserves, CoL Henry C. Bolinger ; 8th Pa. Reserves,
Maj. Silas M. Baily ; 142d Pa., Col. Robert P. Cummins. Third Bri-
gade, Brig.-Geu, C. Feger Jackson, Col. Joseph W. Fisher, Lieut.-Col.
Rol)ert Anderson ; 5th Pa. Reserves, Col. Joseph W. Fisher, Lieut.-Col.
George Dare ; 9th Pa. Reserves, Lieut.-Col. Robert Anderson, Maj. James
McK. Snodgrass ; 10th Pa. Reserves, Maj. James B. Knox ; 11th Pa.
Reserves, Lieut-Col. Samuel M. Jackson ; 12th Pa. Reserves, Capt.
Richard Gustin. Artillery, A, 1st Pa., Lieut. John G. Simpson ; B, 1st
Pa., Capt James H. Cooper ; G, Ist Pa., Capt. Frank P. Amsden ; C, 5th
U. S., Capt Dunbar R. Ransom.
Sixth Army Corps, Major-General William F. Smith. Escort^
L, 10th N. Y. Cav., Lieut George Vanderbilt ; 1, 6th Pa. Cav., Capt
James Starr ; K, 6th Pa. Cav., Capt. Frederick C. Newhall.
First Division, Brig.-Geh. William T. H. Brooks i^Firat Brigade,
Col. Alfred T. A. Torbert ; 1st N. J., Lieut-Col. Mark W. Collet ; 2d N. J.,
Col. Samuel L. Buck ; 3d N. J., Col. Henry W. Brown ; 4th N. J., Col.
William B. Hatch. Lieut-Col. James N. Duffy ; 15th N. J., Lieut-
Col. Edward L. Campl)ell ; 23d N. J., CoL Henry O. Ryerson. Secoiid
Brigade, Col. Henry L. Cake ; 5th Me., Col. Edward A. Scammon ; 16th
X. Y., Col. Joel J. Seaver ; 27th N. Y., Col. Alexander D. Adams ; 12l8t
N. Y., Col. Emory Upton ; 96th Pa., Lieut-Col. Peter A. Filbert Third
Brigade, Brig. -Gen. David A. Russell; 18th N. Y., Col. George R
^tyei-s ; 3l8t N. Y., Lieut-Col. Leopold C. Newman ; 32d N. Y., Capt
Charles Hubbs ; 95th Pa,, Lieut Col. Elisha Hall. Artillery, A, Md.,
Capt. John W. Wolcott; 1st Mass., Capt William H. McCartney ; 1st
N. J., Capt William Hexamer; D, 2d U.S., Lieut Edward B. Wil-
liston.
Second Division, Brig.-Gen. Albion P. Howe :— First Brigade, Brig,-
Gen. Calvin E. Pratt ; 6th Me., CoL Hiram Burnham ; 43d N. Y., Col.
Benjamin F. Baker; 49th Pa., Col. William H. Irwin ; 119th Pa., Col
666 APPENDIX.
Peter C. EUmaker ; 5th Wis., Col. Amasa Cobb. Second Brigade^ Col.
Henry Whiting ; 26th N. J., Col. Andrew J. Morrison ; 2d Vt., Lieut.-
Col. Charles H.Joyce ; 3d Vt., Col. Breed N. Hyde ; 4th Vt., Col. Charles
B. Stoughton ; 5th Vt., Col. Lewis A. Grant ; 6th Vt., Col. Nathan
Lord, Jr. Third Bngadt, Brig.-Gen. Francis L. Vinton, Col. Robert
F. Taylor, Brig.-Gen. Thomas H. Neill ; 2l6t N. J., Col. Gilliam Van
Houten ; 20tli N. Y., Col. Ernst von Vegesack ; 33d N. Y., Col. Robert
F. Taylor; 49th N. Y., Col. Daniel D. Bidwell ; 77th N. Y., Lieut-Col.
Winsor B. French. Artillery, B, Md., Capt. Alonzo Snow ; 1st N. Y.,
Capt. Andrew Cowan ; 3d N. Y., Lieut. William A. Harn ; F, 5th U. S.,
Lieut. Leonard Martin.
Third Division, Brig.-Gen. John Newton '.—First Brigade^ Brig.-
Gen. John Cochrane ; 65th N. Y., Col. Alexander Shaler ; 67th N. Y.,
Col. Nelson Cross ; 122d N. Y., Col. Silaa Titus ; 23d Pa., Maj. John F.
Glenn ; 61st Pa., Col. George C. Spear ; 82d Pa., Col. David H. Williams,
Second Brigade^ Brig.-Gen. Charles Devens, Jr. ; 7th Mass., Lieut.-Col.
Franklin P. Harlow ; 10th Mass., Col. Henry L. Eustis ; 37th Mass., Col.
Oliver Edwards ; 36th N. Y., Col. William H. Browne ; 2d R. I., Col.
Frank Wheaton, Lieut.-Col. Nelson Viall. Third Brigade, Col. Thomas
A. Rowley, Brig.-Gen. Frank Wheaton ; 62d N. Y., Maj. Wilson Hul>-
bell ; 93d Pa., Maj. John M. Mark ; 98th Pa., Lieut.-Col. Adolph Mehler ;
102d Pa., Lieut.-CoL Joseph M. Kinkead ; 139th Pa., Lieut.-Col. James
D. Owens. Artillery ^ C, 1st Pa., Capt Jeremiah McCarthy ; D, 1st Pa.,
Capt. Michael Hall ; G, 2d U. S., Lieut. John H. Butler.
Cavalry Brigade, Brig.-Gen. George D. Bayard, Col. David McM.
Gregg; Indep't Co., D. C, Lieut. Williams H. Orton ; 1st Me., Lieut-
Col. Calvin S. Douty ; Ist N. J., Lieut-Col. Joseph Karg6 ; 2d N. Y.,
Maj. Henry E. Davies ; 10th N. Y., Lieut-Col. William Irvine ; 1st Pa.,
Col. Owen Jones. Artillery^ C, 3d U. S., Capt Horatio G. Gibson.
INDEX.
A.
Adams, General, wounded at Chicka*
inauga, 44H.
Aldcii, Bradfoiil R., at Jefferson Bar-
nickiji, 17; friendliness of, to Long-
htr<M*t, 6:^2.
Alexandf.T, General E. P., at Fred-
ericksburg, 811,816; at Gettysburg,
389, 81)0, 891 ; notifies Pickett to ad-
vance, 892 ; goes to Tennessee with
Longstrcet, 487 ; on Lookout Moun-
tain, 403; at Campbell's Station,
498 ; at Knoxville, 497 ; at Mechan-
icsville (1864), 658; letter of, to
Longstreet, on affairs at Wilderness,
570, 671.
Amazon Creek, engagement at, 606.
Amusement of soldiers, 826, 826.
Anderson, General G. B., at Seven
Pines, 94; at South Mountain, 222;
mortally wounded at Sharpsburg,
249.
Anderson, General G. T., at Sharps-
burg, 242, 247; wounded at Get-
tysburg, 872; brigade of, receives
Fams worth's cavalry charge, 896 ; in
retreat fnjm Gettysburg, 428; joins
Hood's division in Tennessee, 462;
in assault of Fort Sanders, 502, 508,
505, 506 ; at Wilderness, 562 ; cap-
tures prisoners at Farmville, 617.
Anderson, Lieutenant-General R. H.,
at Williamsburg, 72, 75, 76; at
Seven Pines, 94; at Sharpsburg,
247, 249; report of interview with
General Lee at Gettysburg, 857;
in fight at Little Round Top, 872;
in command of left division on
Rapidun (1804 k 553; division of, in
the Wilderness, 559, 562; succeeds
Longstreet, wounded, 565; at Five
Forks, 602 ; in engagement at Ama-
zon Creek, 606; makes attack at
Rice's Station, 618; letter to, frc^m
General Lee, 689.
A ntietam, battle of. See Sharpsburg.
Appendix, 689.
Appomattox, surrender at, oflScers urge
negotiations for surrender, 618 ; Gen-
eral Grant asks surrender, 619 ; Gen-
eral Lee replies, asking terms, 619 ;
interview of General Pendleton with
General Lee, 620, 621 ; General Grant
states terms for surrender, 622 ; G^^n-
eral Lee proposes meeting with Gen-
eral Grant, 622; Sheridan's decisive
action, 622 ; General Lee gives orders
for march to Appomattox Court-
House, 628 ; an account of last
scenes of activity, 624 ; General Lee
confers with Longstreet and Mahone,
624, 625 ; General Lee rides to meet
General Grant, 625; Longstreet en-
deavors to recall Lee, 626; General
Custer's demand of surrender from
Longstreet, 627 ; truce ordered, 628 ;
sympathy of soldiers for General Lee,
629 ; Grenerals Grant and Longstreet
meet, 680 ; details of capitulation ar-
ranged, 680 ; number of troops sur-
rendered and paroled, 681.
Archer, General, at Shepherdstown,
264 ; at Fredericksburg, 809 ; cap-
tured at Gettysburg, 854, 889.
Arista, General, in command of Mex-
ican forces, 22.
Armies. See Confederate, Federal,
Army of the Potomac, Army of
Northern Virginia.
667
668
INDEX.
Armistead, General, at Malvern Hill,
143 ; killed beside Federal batter}' in
Pickett's charge (Gettysburg), 394.
Armstrong, General, at Chickaniauga,
441 ; makes gri'at ci\pture of cattle,
530; in sharp engagement on the
French Broad, 582.
Array corps. See Corj)S.
Army of Northern Virginia, losses of,
in Maryland campaign, 266, 267 ;
condition of, on entering Mar\'land,
284; reorganized in October, 1862,
290 ; strength of, at Fredericksburg,
305 ; strength and organization of,
at Fredericksburg, 317 et seq. ; di-
vided into three corpw, 832 ; in readi-
ness for Gettysburg campaign, 334 ;
organization of, in Gettysburg, 410;
in retreat from Gettysburg, 426 rt
seq. ; strength of, in 1864, 552-554;
capitulation of, at Appomattox, 681.
Army of Observation, 18.
Army of Occupation, 19.
Army of the Potomac, organization of,
in Maryland campaign, 209, 271 ;
strength of, at Antietam, 265 ; losses
of, at Antietam, 266 ; reorganized by
General Burnside, 292 ; strength of,
at Fredericksburg, 305 ; in false posi-
tion at Fredericksburg, 323 ; before
Gettysburg, 335; Meade succeeded
Hooker in command of, 348; <ii*gaii-
ization of, at Gettysburg, 415;
strength of, in 1864, 552 ; crosses the
Rapidan, 555; posting of, at Five
Forks, 593.
Army of the Tennessee, first victory
of the, 456 ; Longstreet offered com-
mand of, 466 ; Hardee offered com-
mand of, 466 (note).
Army of Virginia organized, 153 ;
strength of, 163, 157.
"Attrition," policy of, 551.
Averill, General, makes raid from West
Virginia into East Tennessee, 521,
522.
Avery, Colonel, death of, at Gettyj*-
burg, 376.
Ayres, General, at Five Forks, 598,
599, 601.
B.
Badeau, General, quoted on strength
of Army of Potomac in 1864, 562,
553.
Baird, General, at Chickamauga, 441.
Baker, E. D., 61.
Ball's Bluff, engagement at, 61.
Banks, General N. P., in command of
Second Corps, Army <»f Virginia,
153; his battle against Jackson at
Slaughter Mountain, 157.
Barksdale, General, at Fredericksburg,
301, 303; takes battery at Gettys-
burg, 870; guiding spirit of the
battle, 371 ; mortally wounded, 372.
Barlow, General, at Antietam, 250 ;
fall of, 262, 266; at Gettysbursr,
355.
Baum, Orderly, killed at "Wilderness,
564.
Baxter, Colonel, crosses th« river at
Fredericksburg under fire, 803.
Beauregard, Geneml G. T., at West
Point, 16; at Manassas, 33. 35: in-
structions to commanders, 36 ; order
for battle, 44 ; order miscarries, 46 ;
in charge of left, 49; brave charge
by, 50: ordered West, 64: proposal
to bring, into Gettysburg campaign,
336 ; pi*ejudice against, of Davis,
432, 545 ; Longstreet writes Presi-
dent Davis in favor of, 547.
Beaui-egard, Lieutenant R. T., at
Chickamauga, 441.
Beaver Dam Creek. See Mechanics-
ville.
Bee, General Bernard E., at Manassas,
46, 48; gives name of ** SUmewall"
to Jackson, 49.
Bennings, General, at Gettysburg, 870,
390 ; in retreat from Gettysburg, 431 ;
at Chickamauga, 448 ; at Peters-
burg, 606.
Bermuda Hundred, Pickett's division
assigned to, 574 ; assault on, by
Parke (Petersburg), 605.
Berry, General, at Fredericksburg, 809.
Birney, Geneml, at Fredericksburg,
309 ; at Gettysburg, account of affair
INDEX.
COJ)
at P(?at;h Orcrhurcl, 366 ; at ^Vilder-
nes8, 559.
Blackburn's Ford, engagement at, 38.
See Manassas, First.
Blair, Hon. Montgomery, peace mission
of, 583.
Bonliam, General M. S., at Manassas,
52.
Bostan, Colonel, killed, 630.
lioteler's Ford, 264. See Shepherds-
town.
Bragg, General Braxton, at West Point,
17 ; threatening near Chattanooga,
434, 436 ; Longstreet at head-quarters
of, 438; plan of, for Chickamauga,
439 ; gives orders to Longstreet's di-
vision commanders, 447 ; disturbed by
plan of battle, 462 ; absence of, from
field, 455, 457 ; order for retreat, 456,
457 ; did not know result of Chicka-
mauga until next day, 458 ; receives
report of battle from Longstreet, 461 ;
refuses to pursue the enemy, 462,
463 ; officers call for removal of, 464 ;
puts Gkinerals Polk and Hindman
under charges, 465; inquiry in re-
gard to, by President Davis, 465 ; on
affairs subsequent to Chickamauga,
471; criticism upon, 472; ignores
signal service reports and is surprised,
474, 475 ; plans to capture Hooker's
rear-guard by night attack, 475;
orders Longstreet into East Tennes-
see, 481 ; urges Longstreet to make
rapid movement 4H3 ; orders speedy
attack of Knox vi lie by Longstreet,
501 ; orders Longstreet to co-opera-
tion with his armv after defeat at
Chattanooga, 507 ; relieved of com-
mand by General Hardee, 515 ; called
to Kichmond as commander-in-chief,
516 ; suggestions of, befon* authori-
ties at Richmond, 545; action of,
after Chickamauga criticised by
Longstreet before authorities at
Richmond, 546; ordered to Wil-
mington, 580; comment on, by Con-
federate newspaper, 582 (note).
Branch, GtJneral L. O'B., report of, on
march t^i Mechanicsville, 123.
Brandy Station, cavalry engagement
at, between Stuart and Pleas<»nton,
838.
Brannan, General, at Chickamauga,
442.
Bratton, Colonel, in attack on Hooker's
rear-guard near Lookout Mountain,
476, 477.
Breckenridge, Major-General J. C, at
Chickamauga, 441 ; in assault, 445,
446; appointed Secretary of War,
583, 584.
Bristoe Station, engagement at^ between
Ewell and Hooker, 170.
Brockenbrough, Gkneral, at Fredericks-
burg, 307 ; at Gettysburg, 354.
Bryan, General, in assault on Fort
Sandei-s, 505, 520.
Buckner, General Simon, at Chicka-
mauga, 439; gives opinion adverse
to Bragg, 465 ; letter to, from Long-
street 484, 485.
Buford, General, at Gettysburg, 351,
352, 353.
Bull Run. See Manas-sas.
Bull's Gap, Longstreet's army at, 642.
Burnsidc, General A. E., ordered to
Fredericksburg to aid Pope, 159 ;
begins work at " Burnside's bridge,"
244 ; continuance of, 264, 256, 257,
258; McClellan's orders to, for taking
bridge, 258; effects crossing, 260;
battle concentrates against, 261 ;
his advance arrested, 262 ; assigned
to command Army of the Potomac,
291 ; reorganizes army in three
"Grand Divisions," 292; submits
plan to President Lincoln, 292; plan
of, for crossing Rappahannock at
Fredericksburg, 301 ; plan of, for bat-
tle, 304; orders that Marye's Hill
must be carried before night, 312 ;
orders of, to Franklin criticised, 815;
memorandum of, for renewal of at-
tack on Mar}'e's Hill, captured, 816 ;
abortive moves by, 322 et seq. ; in
Ea«t Tennessee, 434, 436, 480, 481 ;
has army of twenty-five thousand
men north of Knoxville, 482; acts
on defensive at Knoxville, 488 ; sends
070
INDEX.
troops to Little Teniicwsee River, 41K> ;
report of, on condition at Knox-
ville, 499, 500 ; relieved of command
at KnoxYille by General Foster, 514 ;
in command of Ninth Corps in Vir-
ginia, 552.
Burnside's bridge. See Bumaide, Gen-
eral A. E., and Sharpsburg.
Butler, General Benjamin F., in front
of Kichmond, 575, 576; move on
Fort Fisher, 580.
C.
Campaign in far South, consideration
of, 540.
Campaign of 1864, 551 ei seq.
Campbell, Judge J. A., 588.
Campbell's Station, engagement at,
492, 494.
Cannon-shots, remarkable, 254, 255.
Capitulation. See Appomattox, surren-
der at.
Carr, Grencral, at Dandridge, 526.
Cash town, Lee calls for concentration
at, 348.
Chambersburg, Confederates at, 851 .
Chancellorsville, losses at, 827 ; criti-
cism upon, 829, 880.
Chantilly, battle of, 193; killing of
Kearny and Stevens at, 194.
Charles City Cross-Roads. See Fray-
ser's Farm.
Chattanooga, Federal army at, 462 et
seq.
Cheatham, General, at Chickamauga,
441 ; gives opinion adverse to General
Bragg, 465.
Chester Gap, Longstreet's command at,
in retreat from Gettysburg, 481.
Chickahominy River, McClcUan ad-
vances to, 82 (see Seven Pines) ;
fighting along the, in summer of
1862, 120 et seq. ; McClellan changes
base from, to James River, 132.
Chickamauga, battle of [see Westward
movement), Longstreet arrives at
Bragg 's head-quarters, 488 ; plan for,
489; Confederate purpose to push
between enemy and his base at
Chattanooga, 440 ; Confederate posi*
tions, 440, 441 ; Union positions,
441 , 442 ; General Bragg orders direct
assault, 448, 445; battle opened by
advance of General D. H. Hill's
corps, 445; General Helm killed,
446; attack by Clebunie, 446;
Longstreet's troops assault, 447 ;
wounding of General Hood, 448;
Federals driven back, 448, 449;
change in plan by Longstreet, 450;
right wing ceases active battle, 452 ;
contention by left wing as indepen-
dent battle, 455; the Union army
melts away, 455, 456; rejoicings of
Confederates, 456; General Thomas
marches for Rossville G«p, 456;
retreat was made before issue of
Rosecrans's order, 457 ; Confederates
hold Snodgrass Hill, 457; losses,
458 ; heavy losses by regiments, 459 ;
Longstreet urges pursuit of the Fed-
erals, 461 et seq. ; absence of both
commanders from the field, 472;
action of Bragg after close of, re-
ferred to at Richmond by Longstreet,
546.
Cleburne, General, at Chickamauga,
441, 446.
Cobb, General, attacked by Franklin
at Crampton's Pass, 229, 230; at
Fredericksburg, 808 ; killing of, 811.
Colgrove, Colonel Silas, finds Lee's
" lost order," 218.
Confederate anny, organization and
strength of, at Manassas (First), 67;
strength of, at Sharpsburg, 265, 266 ;
losses of, at Sharpsburg, 266 ; condi-
tion of, on entering Maryland, 284 ;
reorganized, 290; strength of, at
Fredericksburg, 805; numbers and
organization of, at Fredericksburg,
817 et seq. ; divided into three corps,
882; ready for Gettysburg campaign,
884 ; organization of, at Gettysburg,
410 ; in retreat from Gettysburg, 426
et seq. ; strength and losses of, at
Chickamauga, 458; losses of, at
Knoxville, 508; strength of, 1864,
552; capitulation of, 680.
INDEX.
071
Confederate flag. Sec Flag.
Confederate soldier, tributes to, 200,
288 ; amusement of, 825.
Congress, Confederate, tenders vote of
thanks to General Longstreet, 650 ;
expresses want of confidence in Pres-
ident Davis, 583 ; passes law for ap-
pointment of commander-in-chief,
C88.
Cooke, Colonel, at Sharpsburg, 250,
267.
Corps, army, two provisional, organized
by McClellan on Chickahominy, 82 ;
First (Confederate) ,lo8ses of ,at Sharps-
burg, 266 ; First (Confederate), firm-
ness of, 884 ; Second (Confederate),
leading on march into Pennsylvania,
840 ; First (Confederate), on march
into Penni?ylvania, 841 ; Third (Con-
federate), march of, to Gettysburg,
844; First (Confederate), at Gettys-
burg, 897 et seq. ; vote of thanks to
First (Confederate), in Congress, 550 ;
Ninth (Federal), under Burnside,
552 ; General Lee on services of First
(Confederate), 689.
Corpus Christi, army concentrates at, 19.
Corse, General, at Five Forks, 595,
600, 601 ; captured, 614.
Couch, General D. N., at Seven Pines,
95, 98 J at Harper's Ferry, 229, 282.
Councils of war, at Richmond, April,
1862, 66; Johnston's, before Seven
Pines, 85, 86; by General G. W.
Smith, at Seven Pines, 107 ; of Lee
and his ofScers, June, 1862, 121 ; in
spring of 1864, at Richmond, 548-
595.
Cox, General J. D., with Pleasonton,
opens buttle of South Mountain,
221, 228; at Burnside's bridge in
command of Ninth Corps, 258.
Crampton's Pass, description of, 206 ;
General Franklin ordered to, by Mc-
Clellan, 217 ; Hampton's cavalry at,
229; Franklin and Cobb have engage-
ment at, 229, 280.
Crittenden, General T. L., at Chicka-
mauga, 442; goes before court of
inquiry, 465.
CnK>k, Generul, at Burnside 's bridge
(Antietam), 259 ; attacks Confederate
trains, 612.
Cross, Colonel, at Antietam, 266.
Cullen, J. S. D., letter of, to General
Longstreet on second day at Gettys-
burg, 388 (note).
Cumberland Church, engagement at,
015.
Cumberland Gap, engagement at, 518.
Cumming, Lieutenant, bravery of, at
Fort Sanders, 520.
Curtin, Andrew G., G^ovemor of Penn-
sylvania, letter of, to General Mc-
Clellan, 282.
Custer, Greneral, at Gettysburg, 896;
defeats and captures most of Early's
command at Waynesboro', 590; at
Five Forks, 598 ; division of, at Ap-
pomattox, 622; demands and is re-
fused surrender of Longstreet, 627.
D.
Dandridge, affair at, 528 et seq.
Danville Railroad, Longstreet on guard-
ing of, 650.
Davis, Lieutenant-Colonel H., escapes
with command from Harper's Ferry,
231.
Davis, Jefferson, President, in council,
April, 1862, 66 ; high opinion of Mc-
Clellan, 66 ; on battle-field (Frayser's
Farm), 184; letter to, from General
Lee, relative to peace proposition,
204 ; prejudice of, against Johnston
and Beauregard, 432; visits Army
of Tennessee and makes inquiry as
to General Bragg, 405; proffers com-
mand to Longstreet, 466 ; urges pro-
motion of General Law, 467 ; holds
second conference with commanders
at Bragg 's head-quarters, 468 ; favors
Longstreet's suggestion for change
of base to Rome, Greorgia, 409 ; leaves
army more despondent than he
found it, 470; orders Longstreet
to march to Bragg's relief, 507 ; gives
Longstreet discretionary authority
over troops in the department, 511;
072
INJ>KX.
ordc;rrt Loiig^trect to send Martin's
cavalry to Johnston, 630 ; in council
with Generals Lee, Longstrcet, and
Bragg, W5, 546 ; want of confidence
in, expressed by Congrei««, 683 ; re-
ceives news of defeat at Petersburg
in church at Richmond, GOT.
Davis, General Jefferson C, at Chicka-
mauga, 442.
Dearing, General, killed, C30.
Dent, Frederick, home of, 18.
Dent, Mi8s Julia, meets Lieutenant
Grant, 18.
Dent, Marshall, maternal grandfather
of author, 13.
Dent, Mary Ann, mother of author, 14.
Desertion, Longstreet on suppression
of, 661.
Deshler, General, mortally wounded
at Chickamauga, 446.
Devens, General, 690, 698.
Doby, Captain, killed at AVildemess,
6C4.
Doubleday, General Abner, in engage-
ment against Jackson at Groveton,
176, 177 ; at Antietam, 241 ; at Fred-
ericksburg, 309 ; in command of a
corps at Gettysburg, 353, 366.
Douglas, Colonel, killed at Sharpsburg,
243.
Dranesville, engagement at, 62.
Duncan, Captain J. H., defends Fort
Gregg (Petersburg), 607.
Duryea, Colonel, charge of, at Burn-
side's bridge (Antietam), 259.
E.
Early, General Jubal A., at Manassas,
89 ; at "Williamsburg, 78 ; at Sharps-
burg, 242, 245; appointment of, as
lieutenant-general, 332; on march
to Gettysburg, 344; in battle, 374,
375 ; charges of, against LongstreiH
and First Corps, 397 ; comment on,
402; defeat in the Valley, 679;
command of, captured by Custer at
Waynesboro', 690.
East Tennessee campaign, Longstreet
ordered to, 480, 481 ; organization
of Confederate command for, 482;
move to Sweetwater, 483 ; transpor-
tation under Bragg 's quartermaster,
483 ; letter of General Longstreet to
General Buckner on delays, etc.,
484, 485; Buckner's endorsement,
485 ; on short rations, 486 ; orders to
General Wheeler, 487 ; "looked like
campaign against Longstreet instead
of Bumside," 488; description of
country, 488, 489 ; engagement on
the Little Tennessee River, 490; en-
gagement at Campbell's Station,
492-495 ; Federals behind their works
at Knoxville, 495 ; gallant assault on
Fort Loudon repulsc^d, 497 ; Long-
street reinforced by General Bush rod
R. Johnson, 601 ; McLaws's orders
to his command for assault of Fort
Sanders, 603 ; McLaws urges delay
because of report of Bragg *8 defeat,
504; reply to, by Longstreet, 604;
the assault made, 605, 506 ; troops re-
called on a misconception, 606, 607 ;
Bragg orders Longstreet to co-operate
with his army after defeat at Chatta-
nooga, 607 ; losses at Knoxville, 608 ;
Longstreet finds it impracticable to
join Bragg, 609 ; columns advancing
for relief of Burnside, 610; long-
street marches up the Holston Val-
ley, 511 ; he is followed by General
Parke, 612 ; engagement at Cumber-
land Gap, 613 ; want of clothing and
shoes, 615, 621 ; presence of Long-
street causes concern to Federal
authorities and General Grant, 615,
616 ; charges against General Robert-
son, 617 ; General McLaws ordered
relieved from duty, 618; General
Law resigns under privilege, 519;
honorable mention of officers, 620 ;
the army revels in plenty on the
French Broad, 620, 621 ; brilliant
achievement of Greneral W. E. Jones
at Cumberland Gap, 522, 628;
strategic importance of the field, 624,
638 ; Foster advances against Long-
street, 625 ; Union army makes stand
at Dandridge, 626 ; affair at, 628 et
INDEX.
073
aeq. ; Longslreet drinks to beultli of
Granger, 529; General Foster calls
Dundridge'6 expedition **u foraging
excursion," 530; General Grant
orders Foster to oft en si vc against
Longstreet, 532 ; despatches on Long-
street from General Grant to Generals
Uallcck, Thomas, and Scbofield, 585-
588 ; Longstreet asks for ten thousand
additional troops, 589; Longstreet's
purpose towards close of campaign,
539 ; withdrawal eastward of Long-
street's command, 540; authorities
would not support campaign, 541 ;
Longstreet and his original command
from Virginia rejoins General Lee on
the Rapidan, 547 ; vote of thanks to
General Longstreet and First Corps
by Confederate Congress, 550.
Edwards's Ferry. See Ball's Bluff.
Elections of 1802, 1864, 479.
Elzey, General, arrives at Manassas,
49 ; succeeds Kirby Smith, 50.
Emancipation Proclamation, issue of,
made practicable by victory at Antie-
tam, 288, 289 ; elections of 1862 not
in support of, 479.
Ewell, General R. S., at West Point,
17 ; engagement of, with Hooker, at
Bristoe Station, 170 ; loses a leg at
Groveton, 177 ; appointed to com-
mand of Second Corps on death of
Jackson, 332; engages Milroy at
Winchester, 839 ; march of, to Get-
tysburg, 344; captures beeves and
flour, 345 ; in fight on Cemetery Hill,
355, 356 ; attacked by Ruger, 887 ; in
retreat from Gettysburg, 431, 432;
in command of Second Corps on
Rapidan (1864), 553; becomes en-
gaged in Wilderness, 558, 562 ; takes
sevei-al officers prisoners, 565 ; in re-
treat from Petersburg, 612, 618;
brave stand and final surrender of,
614.
F.
Fairfax, Colonel, at Sharpsburg, 250 ;
takes scout to Longstreet, 345 ; letter
from, to General Longstreet on in-
terview with General Lee, *' sunrise
order," etc., 880, 881 (note) ; drinks
with Longstreet to health of Gordon
Granger, 530 ; captures a trooper on
the French Broad, 532 ; on delay at
Wilderness after wounding of Long-
street, 567.
Fair Oaks. See Seven Pines.
Falling Waters, Confederates at, in re-
treat from Gettysburg, 428, 429.
Farmville, panic of Confederate team-
sters at, 616 ; engagement at, 616,617.
Farnsworth, General, charge of, at Get-
tysburg, 895; killed, 895.
Federal army, organization and
strength of, at Manassas (First) 57,
58 ; strength and losses of, at Antie-
tam, 265, 266 ; reorganized by Bum-
side, 292 ; strength of, at Fredericks-
burg, 305 ; in false position, 823 ;
before Gettysburg, 385 ; Meade suc-
ceeds Hooker in command of, 848 ;
organization of, at Gettysburg, 415 ;
strength and losses of, at Chicka-
mauga, 458 ; losses of, at Knoxville,
508 ; strength of, in 1864, 552 ; how
posted at Five Forks, 598.
Ferrero, General, ai Burnside's Bridge
(Antietam), 259 ; in East Tennessee
campaign, 490 ; covers retreat, 492.
Field, General, at Wilderness, 562-
564 ; gives account of battle, 567 ;
before Richmond, 577; division of,
withdrawn, 604; division of, at
Appomattox, 629.
Fiser, Colonel, wounded in assault on
Port Sanders, 520.
Fisher, Fort, move against, 580.
Fitzhugh, Captain, captured and loses
despatch, 160.
Five Forks, battle of. General Grant's
move around the Confederate right,
595; General Lee endeavors to antici-
pate, 596; opening of, favorable to
Confederates, 596; General Grant
orders Fifth Corps into battle, 597;
Sheridan's strategic plan, 598; the
battle irretrievable for Confederates,
599; Pickett's battle, 599-602; losses,
601, 602 ; General Lee on, 604.
43
r,74
INDEX.
Flag, Confederate, origin of, 56.
" Foot Cavalry" of Virginia, 146.
Forrest, General, at CbickHmauga, 441.
Foster, General John G., reaches Knox-
ville and relieyes Bumsidc of com-
mand at, 618, 614 ; at Blain's Cross-
Roads, 614 ; assigns true cause for
Longstrcct's failure to follow, 516;
plans to intrench at Bull's Gap, 516 ;
army of, advances against Longstreet,
occupying Dandridge, 526 ; suffering
fVom an old wound, gives command to
General Parke, 628 ; calls Dandridge
expedition a ''foraging excursion,"
680; urged to off«*nsivo by General
Grant, 631, 682 ; assaults Fort Gregg
(Petersburg), 607.
Fowler, Captain W. H., at Cbicka-
mauga, 441.
Franklin, William B., given command
of Sixth CorjMi, 82 ; encounters Jack-
son at White Oak Swamp, 188 ; ar-
rives at Centreville to reinforce Pope,
190 ; i>rdered by McClellan to Cramp-
ton's Pass, 217; engages General
Cobb of McLaws's command, 229,
280, 232 ; rt^port by, 257 ; placed in
command of Left Grand Division
Army of the Potomac, 292 ; arrives
before Fredericksburg, 297; troops
of, enter Fredericksburg, 804 ; orders
to, by Burnside, criticised, 815.
Frayser's Farm, battle at, Longstreet
encounters main force of McClcUan's
army at, 183; President Davis has
narrow escape on the field, 184; Jen-
kins captures Randol's battery, pre-
cipitating battle, 185; Ileintzelman's
report of fight, 186; McCall's report,
136 ; General Holmes's account, 137 ;
General Kearny's account, 137; cap-
ture of General McCall, 188, 139.
Frederick, Md., Confederates in, 201,
202, 205 ; McClellan's army at, 218.
See Maryland campaign.
Fredericksburg, battle and campaign
of, Bumside's plans for, submitted to
President Lincoln, 292 ; Union army
on march to, 293 ; General Suniner
calls on civil authorities for surrender
of town, 298 ; reply of the nutyor,
294-296; citizens of, move beyond
danger, 296 ; description of field of,
297-299 ; signal for battle, 801 ; plana
of Federals for crossing the river,
801, 802 ; work of General Hunt and
Colonel Hall, 802 ; Federals occupy
eastern part of town, 808 ; Sumner's
and Franklin's troops occupy city,
804; plan of Federal commander,
804; strength of the armies, 806;
mist veils the confronting armlet,
806; Confederate positiona, 807;
General Meade's advance, 808; the
opening against the Confederate left,
809; killing of General Cobb, 811 ;
destructive work of artillery, 811;
desperate charges by Grififtn and
Humphreys, 812; before the stone
wall on Marye's Hill, 813; compari-
son of charges by Federals with those
of Pickett, Pettigrew, and Trimble
at Gettysburg, 814 ; criticism of or-
ders to Franklin, 315 ; losses in battle,
816,816; Burnside plans to renew
attack, 316; stnmgth of armies in
battle, 817 ; organization of Confed-
enite army, 317 ei aeq.
Fremantle, Lieutenant-Colonel, of the
Coldstream Guards, as guest of Lee
and Longstreet, 848 ; congratulations
of, to Longstreet on Pickett's charge,
894.
French, General William H., at Fred-
ericksburg, 809, 810.
Q.
Gaines's Mill, battle at, the Hills attack
Fitz-Jolin PorttT, 126 ; Longstreet's
reserve engages, 127 ; Anderson,
Pickett, and Hood's charges, 129 ;
letter of Longstreet upon, to Gen-
eral Leo, 656.
Garfield, General James A., commu-
nication of, on Rosecrans's order to
retreat from Chicknmauga, 457.
Garland, General Samuel, at Seven
Pines, 94 ; killed at South Mountain,
221 ; allusion to, 223.
INDEX.
G7o
Garnett, R. B., at West Point, 16, 17 ;
killed in Pickett's charge (Gettys-
burg), 894.
Gary, General, in affair on Williams-
bui^ road, 578.
Gee, Captain, killed at Five Forks,
699.
Generalship, power of battle in, rather
than in numbers, 661.
Getty, General, in opening of battle
of Wilderness, 568 ; advance of, 669.
Gettysburg, battle and campaign of,
first mentioned, 831, 884; Confeder-
ates plan of campaign, 835, 836 ;
Hooker discovers Federal withdrawal
from Fredericksburg, 837; cavalry
engHgement in rear of the march,
338; conf\i8ion in regard to cavalry
orders, 342 ; municipal authorities of
Gettysburg and York surrender to
General John B. Gordon, 845 ; Long-
street suggests change in direction of
march, 847 ; Federal corps' locations,
347. 348; General George G. Meade
succeeds Hooker m command of
Federals, 348; positions of armies
June 80, 849, 350 ; Confederate cav-
alry not at hand, 361 ; description
of field, 352 ei 9eq. ; preliminary
fighting, 353, 354 ; the battle opens,
354; General John F. Reynolds
killed, 354 ; fight on Cemetery
Hill, 365, 356; Federals retreat
through town, 356; Howard forms
new lines, 857 ; forces engaged (on
first day), 357 ; Lee had not intended
to deliver general battle, 868; Lee
seriously affected by absence of cav-
alry, 359 ; commands of Longstreet's
corps hurried forward, 859; second
day's battle, 362; front of Meade's
position, 303 ; march of Sixth Corps
(Federal), 364; position of Confeder-
ates. 364 ; Lee settles on attack bv his
right, 366; advance of First Corps
(Confederate), 366 ; time of reaching
position, 366 ; Hood reports advan-
tage of move to the right, 867 ; re-
news appeal, 868; opportunity for
Confederate right seen by Halleck in
Washington, 868 ; Barksdale of Mc-
Laws's opens the fight and takes bat-
tery, 870 ; Little Round Top the cit-
adel of the field, 871 ; fight at the
hill and Brick Church, 371 ; many
officers killed or wounded, 871, 372;
Longstreet with Wofford's brigade on
Little Round Top, 372 ; Meade rein-
forces against Longstreet, 873 ; losses
of Longstreet and Meade on second
day, 873 ; late arrival of cavalry, 378;
Federals draw artillery from their
right against Longstreet's battle,
874 ; ** man on the left who did not
care to make battle win," 875; Gen-
eral Pendleton on the order for ** bat-
tle at sunrise," 877 et seq, ; refuta-
tion of, 878-384; losses on second
day, 876, 377 ; third day's battle, 385
et seq. ; Lee's plans, 886 ; Ruger
opens against Ewell, 387 ; Longstreet
did not approve attack as made, 888,
but he prepared carefully for the as-
sault, 389, 890 ; Confederates on the
left driven from their trenches, 391 ;
Longstreet assents to Pickett's ad-
vance, 892 ; Pickett's, Trimble's, and
Pettigrew's charge, 894; Fams-
worth's cavalry charge, 895; the
Confederate First Corps, 897 ; Lee's
acknowledgment of fault, 400 ; epit-
ome of battle, 402 ; Cemetery Hill
and Marye's Hill compared, 403 ; im-
possibility of taking Cemetery Hill,
404; forces engaged and losses in
battle, 409 ; organization of Confed-
erate army, 410 rt 8eq. ; organization
of Federal army, Alb ei aeq. ; Con-
federate retreat, 426.
Gibbon, Gkneral, in engagement with
Jackson at Groveton, 176; at South
Mountain, 224 ; at Antietam, 241,
266 ; at Fredericksburg, 809 ; wound-
ed in front of Pickett's charge (Get-
tysburg), 394 ; on assaulting columns,
on the 3d, at Gettysburg, 399 ; at the
Wilderness, 668, 659 ; at Petersburg,
606-608.
Gist, General, at Chickamauga, 446.
Glendale. See Frayser's Farm.
076
INDEX.
G«»^s;in, Major, reporta taking of F<»rt
Sanders impossible, 505, 606.
Gold, price of, roaches 200, 317; Long-
8tre(H advociitos irnpre.«sment of, 588,
641, 646, 649.
Gordon, General John B., authorities
of Gettysburg and York surrender
to, 345 ; corps of, assigned for sortie
against Fort Steadman, 592; at Ap-
pomattox, 623, 624.
Goree, Colonel T. J., 47; on repulse
of Pickett at Gettysburg, 400.
** Grand Divisions," Army of the Poto-
mac organized in, 292.
Granger, General (Gordon, covers gap
in Mission Kidge at Chickamauga,
442; in severe contention against
Longfitroet's left, 457; in command
of Federals at Dandridge, 628; on
Longstreet, 529.
Grant, General Ulysses S., at West
Point, 17 ; joins Fourth Regiment in
Missouri as lieutenant, 18; takes
part in theatricals, 20 ; operati(»ns of,
at Vicksburg, 478 ; assume.** com-
mand of armies in Tennessee, 482;
orders Longstreet driven out of East
Tennessee, 516 ; visits Knoxville,
625; wants Longstreet driven from
Tennessee, 531 ; urges General Foster
to the offensive, 532 ; despatches of,
to Generals HuUeck, Thomas, and
Schofield, on plans to drive Long-
street from Tennes.«ee, 534-636 ; finds
Longstreet too far from hi.** line of
operations to properly engage again.<«t,
638; assigned as commander-in-chief,
543 ; with Army of the Potomac, 552 ;
had no general plan for campaign
(May, 1864), 555; prepares for im-
mediate battle (Wilderness), 556;
orders Ninth Corps into battle, 561 ;
plan of, for left attack in front of
Richmond, 575, 576; letters to, from
General Lee, on military peace con-
vention, 585, 586 ; draws fnwn East
and West to strengthen combination
against, 690 et seq. (see Five Forks,
battle of) ; gives up attack of Rich-
mond by north side of James, 591 ;
gives ordf^rs tor grand move by hin
left, 592 ; number of troo|)e in com-
mand of, 593 ; movement by left be-
gun, 595; purpose of the latter, 696 ;
orders concerted assault at Petere-
bui^, 604 ; rides over captured works,
606 ; asks surrender of General Lee,
619; letter to, from General Lee,
asking terms for surrender, 619; re-
news efforts to strike across head
of Confederate march, 620; writes
General Lee as to terms of sur-
render, 621, 622; letter to, from
General Lee, proposing meeting, 622 ;
arranges details of capitulation, 630 :
tribute to, 630; gives General Long-
street letter to President Johnson,
633; inaugurated President, 638;
appoints Longstreet surveyor of cus-
toms at New Orleans, 638; General
Lee on interview with, 649.
Grant, Mrs. Ulysses S., proposed meet-
ing of, with Mrs. Longstreet to bring
about peace, 584.
Grapevine Bridge. Se^. Mechanicsville.
Greene, Genoral George S., at Gettys-
burg, 374.
Gregg, Fort (Petersburg), 606, 607.
Gregg, General D. McM., at Gettys-
burg, stubborn fight of, 396.
Gregg, General Maxcy, killed at Fred-
ericksburg, 309 ; captured with part
of command by Rosser and Mum-
ford, 617.
Griffin, General, attack of, at Fred-
ericksburg, 312.
Groves, Major R. E., at Chickamauga,
441.
Grovet^jn, engagement at, between
Jack.«on and Pope's troops, 176. See
Manassa.o, Second.
Gunboats, McClellan's facetious re-
mark concerning, 151.
H.
Hagerstown, Confederates at, on retreat
from Gettysburg, 427, 428.
Hall, Colonel Norman J., in command
of troops attempting to cross river at
Fredericksburg, 302 ; report of, 303.
IXDEX.
077
Halleck, General Henry Wager, at
West Point, 17; assumes comuiand
as geneml-in-chief of Federal armies,
153; thinks the capital in peril, 214;
letter to, on atfuirs in Maryland, 214-
216; Meade communicates purpose
to, 349 ; suggests to Meade that Lee
may turn his left, 360; sees oppor-
tunity for Confederate right at Gettys-
burg, 3G8; concern of, over Long-
street's presence in East Tennessee,
516, 516 ; despatch to, from General
Grant, on Longstrect, 634-536 ; de-
spatch of, to General Grant, 537 ;
right in estimate of strategic im-
portance of Longstreet's presence in
TennesNce, 538.
Hampton Rouds conference, 588.
Hunipton, Wade, at Manassas, 48;
wounded at Seven Pines, 98; at
Cmmpton's Gap, 229; wounded at
Getly.<l>un^, 306; ordered to join
Johnston in the Camlinas, 589.
Hancock, Winfield Scott, takes two
redi»ul)ts at Williamsburg, 77 ; chris-
tene<l *'The Superb," 80; takes
command of Richardson's brigade
at Antietam, 251 ; makes well-organ-
ized advance at Fredericksburg, 310;
assumes Federal command under
special assignment on field of Gettys-
burg (first day), 356; wounded in
Pickett's charge, 894; on Meade's
intentions on third day at Gettys-
burg, 398; in command of Second
Corps, Army of the Potomac, 652;
intrenches at night along front in
Wilderness, 658 ; advance of, in morn-
ing, 560; movement against left of,
by Longstreet, 562; on Longstreet's
advance, 568.
Hardee, General, commissioned lieu-
tenant-general, 290; offered and
declines command of Army of Ten-
nessee, 466; succeeds Cheatham in
command of corps, 469.
Hardie, General, at Fredericksburg,
307.
Harper's Ferr\', capture of, proposed
by Lee, 201 ; plan for movement
against, 202; description of, 207;
situation at, 228; McLaws at 231;
Colonel Davis escapes from, 231 ;
Colonel Miles' commandant of, mor-
tallv wounded, 232; surrendered bv
General White, 232 ; holding of, not
of strategic value, 286 ; let alone in
Gettysburg campaign, 287 ; aban-
doned by Federals, 839.
Harrison, Fort, captured by Federals,
576.
Harrison, scout, employed by Long-
street, 324 ; sent out with secret
orders, 338 ; makes report, 346.
Harrison's Landing, McClellan's army
at, 145.
Hartranft, General, at Campbell Sta-
tion, 492, 520; at Fort Stejidman,
594, 595.
Haskell, Colonel J. C., rides to recall
General Lee from meeting GiJneral
Grant at Appomattox, 626.
Hatton, General, killed at Seven Pines,
98.
Hayes, Rutherford B., wounded at
South Mountain, 223
Hays, General H. T., at Gettysburg,
374.
Hazlett, Captain, battery of, on Little
Round Top, 871 ; killed, 872.
Heintzelman, General, in command of
left wing on Chickahominy, 84 ; re-
port of, on Frayser's Farm fight, 185.
Helm, General Benjamin H., killed at
Chickamauga, 446.
Heth, General, at Wilderness, 656, 558,
660; on failure to intrench, 666; at
Petersburg, 605, 609 ; at Farmville,
617.
Hill, Lieutenant-General A. P., pro-
moted major-general, 85; at Me-
chanicsville, 128 et seq. ; at Gaines's
Mill, ri6; intercepts orders of Ckn-
eral Pope, 172; at Harper's Ferry,
281 ; arrives from Harper's Ferry in
time to assist at Sharpsburg, 261 ;
makes strong battle against Burnside,
262 ; at Shepherdstown, 264 ; tacti-
cal moves by, at Antietam, 266 ;
appointed to command of Third
G78
IXDEX.
Corps, 882 ; marches towards Gettys-
burg, 860, 858; in fight, 865, 866;
in retreat from Gettysburg, 481 ; in
command of Third Corps on Rapidan
(1864), 568 ; death of, at Petersburg,
606.
HiU, General D. H., at Williamsburg,
74 ; asks permission to attack Han-
cock's redoubts, 77; the movement
made with heavy loss, 78; humor
of, 118; letter to Longstreet deny-
ing proposed abandonment of Rich-
mond when Lee took command, 116,
116; in conference with Lee on at-
tacking McClelian, 121 ; at Mechan-
icsville, 124; at Gaines's Mill, 126;
at South Mountain, 221, 222, 224;
explains to General Leo the situation
at South Mountain, 227 ; at Sharps-
burg, 241, 242, 261, 268; horse shot
under, by a cannon-ball, 264 ; ** like
a game-cock" at Sharpsburg, 266;
record of, 832 (note) ; at Chicka-
mauga, in right wing, 441 ; opens
battle by front assault, 446; urges
change of tactics, 455 ; writes petition
for relief from Bragg, 465; gives
President Davis opinion adverse to
Bragg, 466 ; relieved of duty, 469.
Hindman, General T. C, in left wing
at Chickamauga, 439; advance of,
448; relieved under charges by
Bragg, 465.
Hoke, General, in front of Richmond,
574, 575 ; in affair on Williamsburg
road, 577 ; sent to Wilmington, 580.
Holmes, General, on fight at Frayser's
Farm, 137 ; commissioned lieutenant-
general, 290.
Hood, General J. B , at Gaines's Mill,
128, 129 ; report on fight at Frayser's
Farm, 137; advance of, at Turkey
Bridge, 180; at Second Manassas,
188, 189; at South Mountain, 222;
at Sharpsburg, 242, 266 ; at Freder-
icksburg, 806, 817; march of, from
Chambersburg to Gettysburg, 861 ;
reports on advantage of move to the
right (Gettysburg, second day),
867; renews appeal, 368; seriously
wounded, 870; division of, in third
day's fight (Gettysburg), 898, 896
in retreat from Gettysburg, 481
division of, starts for Tennessee, 487
arrival at Chickamauga, 489; bri-
gades of, in left wing, 489, 440 ; leads
advance, 447; wounding of, 448;
successor for, considered, 467 ; division
of, in engagement on Little Tennes-
see, 490; supersedes Johnston in
command of Army of Georgia, 672 ;
army of, reduced to a skeleton, 581.
Hooker, (General Joseph, at Williams-
burg, 73, 75 ; at Frayser's Farm, 188 ;
engagement of, with Ewell at Bris-
toe Station, 170; at South Mountain,
223; at Antietam, 241; heavy loss
in troops of, 248 ; wounding of, 245 ;
given command of Centre Grand Di-
vision, Army of the Potomac, under
Bumside, 292 ; arrives at Hartwood,
near Fredericksburg, 297 ; marches
for fords of the upper Rappahannock,
826 ; at Chancellorsville, 828, 829 ;
discovers abandonment of Fredericks-
burg by Confederates, 887 ; succeeded
by Meade, 348 ; in Tennessee, 474.
Hoskiss, Major J., on capture of Early's
command, 591.
Hotchkiss, Major T. R., at Chicka-
mauga, 441.
Howard, General O. O., at Fredericks-
burg, 810; approach to Gettysburg,
866; retreats to Cemetery Hill, 856;
forms new lines after retreat, 857.
Howell, Captain E. P., at Chicka-
mauga, 441.
Huger, General, Johnston's orders to,
for Seven Pines, 89.
Humphreys, Major-General A. A.,
desperate attack by, at Fredericks-
burg, 312 ; account by, of fight before
the stone wall, 818; at Gettysburg,
867, 873; at Chickamauga, 440;
spirited advance of, 448; in assault
of Fort Sanders, 505; honorably
mentioned, 520; as chief of staff
gives strength of Army of the Po-
tomac, 1864, 552; quoted on affair
on Williamsburg road. 578 ; at Fort
INDEX.
670
Stcadman, 595; at Petersburg, 606;
in pursuit uf Confederates, 611 ; in ;
engagement at Rice's Station, 614.
Hunt, General, at Fredericksburg, 802.
Hunter, Colonel David, wounded at
Manassas, 46.
Hunter, Hon. R. M. T-, 58S.
Hun ton, General, capture of, 614.
Imboden's cavalry, halt of, at Hancock
vexes Genera] Lee, 859.
Impressment of gold, urged by Long-
street, 588, 641, 646; of men, urged
by Longstreet, 644.
Jackson, Lieutenant-Gencral Thomas
Jonathan, at Manassas, 46; chris-
tened "Stonewall," 49; order to,
from General Lee, June 11, 1862, for
movement against McClellan, 114;
reinforced by Lawton and Whiting
for that purpose, 115; in conference
with Lee and Longstreet, June, 1862,
121 ; lateness of, at Meohanicsville,
128; at Gaines's Mill, 126; encoun-
ters Franklin at White Oak Swamp,
188; ordered to follow McClellan's
retreat from Malvern Hill, 146; fails
to support Magruder, 149, 150; en-
gages with Pope's forces at Slaugh-
ter Mountain, 156, 157 ; move of, on
Manassas Junction, 167, 168; en-
gages King's division at Grovetoh,
175, 177; su.<itatns attack at Manas-
sas, 180, 182; in heavy battle with
Fitz-John Porter, 187 ; some charac-
teristics of, 191, 192; hard pressed by
Stevens at Chantilly, 193 ; comment
on move of, to Manassas Junction,
197, 198; ordered by Lee to move
against Harper's Ferry, 202, 231,
232 ; leaves Harper's Ferry to rejoin
Lee, 233 ; arrives on field of Sharps-
burg, 236 ; divif>ion ul, receives attack
of H(K»kcr at Sharpsburg, 241 ; with- |
draws, 242 ; ordered by General Lee
to turn Federal right, 257 ; com-
missioned lieutenant-general, 290 ;
called by Lee towards Fredericks-
burg, 299, 809 ; loses opportunity for
advance, 813; severely wounded at
Chancellorsville, 828 ; death of, 382 ;
comment on, at Sharpsburg, 401
(note) ; comment on, in Chickahoni-
iny campaign, 406 ; at Second Manas-
sas, 407.
James River, Confederate troops on, in
April, 1862, 67 ; McClellan changes
base to, from the Chickahominy, 182 ;
Longstreet assigned to command
north of, 574.
Jenkins, General Micah, at Seven
Pines, 95, 100; at Frayser's Fann,
185; at Fredericksburg, 811 ; ordered
to Chambersburg with cavalry bri-
gade, 840 ; brigade of, transferred to
Hood's division and goes to Tennes-
see, 487; joins Hood's division after
battle of Chickamauga, 462 ; Long-
street urges appointment of, to com-
mand of Hood's division, 467; en-
gages in attack on Hooker's rear-
guard, 475-477 ; at Lenoir's Station,
491 ; at Canipbell's SUtion, 494 ; lie-
fore Knoxville, 495 ; at Dandridge,
526; ordered to Strawberry Plains,
581 ; ordered to bridge the Holston
River, 588 ; takes part in flank move,
568, and riding with Longstreet ex-
presses high hopes, 568; mortally
wounded, 564 ; tribute to, 566.
Jetersville, Confederates haltc*d at, 610.
Johnson, General Bushrod R., at
Chickamauga, 489 ; before Snodgrass
Hill, 450 ; in assault on Fort Sanders,
505; severely engages Federals at
Cumberland Gap, 513 ; honorable
mention of, for march to Bean Sta-
tion, 519; in affair near Dandridge,
582 ; at Five Forks, 596, 597 ; divi-
sion of, mostly escapes in retreat from
Petersburg, 614.
Johnson, Major-General Edward, ad-
>tance at Gettysburg (evening of
second day), 874, 887.
G80
INDEX.
Johnson, President, letter to, from
General Grant on Longstreet, 688,
684 ; reconstruction policy of, 636.
Johnson, General R. W., at Chicka-
mauga, 442.
Johnston, General Joseph Egglcston,
position of, before Manassas, 86, 41,
48 ; forces arrive at Manassas, 44 ; on
field, 49; called to Richmond for
council with War Department, 66 ; at
Williamsburg, 79 ; compliment of, to
Longstreet, 80; prepares to attack
HcClellan before McDowell can
reach him, 86; calls council before
Seven Pines, 86, 86 ; orders to Gen-
erals Smith and Uuger, 89; orders
troops to sleep on their lines, 100 ;
wounded at close of Seven Pines,
100; high regard for, in army, 112;
President Davis jealous of, 482;
plan for campaign of, suggested by
General Bragg, 646; superseded by
Hood, 672; Longstreet asks for re-
call of, to service, 688 ; assigned to
command in the Carolinas, 689.
Jones, General D. R., at Savage Sta-
tion, 182; at Antietam, 260; over-
come by the killing of his brother-in-
law. Colonel Kingsbury, 262.
Jones, General J. M., at Gettysburg,
874 ; in opening of Wilderness, 668.
Jones, General J. R., wounded at
Sharpsburg, 248.
Jones, General Samuel, raid against, at
Salem, by General Averill, 621, 622.
Jones, General W. E., sent to arrest
Union advance at Cumberland Gap,
608 ; fights engagement at Walker's
Ford, 608 ; brilliant achievement of,
at Cumberland Gap, 622, 628.
K.
Kearny, General Philip, at Williams-
burg, 76 ; at Seven Pines, 96 ; report
of, on battle, 99 ; report of, on fight at
Frayser's Farm, 187 ; orders to, from
Pope, on eve of Manassas (Second),
178; opens against Jackson's lefl at
Manasssas, 182; at Chantilly, 198;
killed, 194.
Kemper, General, wounded in Pickett's
charge, 894.
Kershaw, General, at Elk Ridge, 208 ;
at Sharpsburg, 246; at Gettysburg
(opening of second day), 870; at
Chickamauga, 440; charge of, 448;
at Cumberland Gap, 518 ; honorably
mentioned, 519; in Wilderness, 668,
664; with Early in the Valley, 579;
crosses a fii*ed bridge at Richmond,
609; surrenders at Rice's Station,
614.
Keye.«, General E. I)., on battle of
Seven Pines, 110.
Kilpatrick, General J., at Gettysburg,
896, 306; follow.^ Confederate retrtmt,
427, 428, 430.
Kingsburj', Colonel, kilknl at Burn-
side's Bridge (Antietam), 259; kill-
ing of, overcomes General D. R.
Jones, his brother-in-law, 262.
Knoxville, siege of, description of town
and Federal works, 496; a gallant
dash repulsed, 497; Federal posi-
tions, 498, 499; Fort Loudon (or
Sanders) described, 499 ; McLaws
ordered to assault fort, 600 ; General
Bushrod R. Johnson marches to re-
inforce Longstreet, 501 ; McLaws's
orders to his command for assault of
Fort Sanders, 503 ; McLaws urges
delay because of Bragg 's reported
defeat, 504; Longstreet's answer
thereto, 604, 605 ; the assault made,
605, 606 ; troops recalled under a mis-
conception, 506, 507; Bragg orders
Longstreet to co-operate with his
army, 507 ; los.'^es in, 508.
L.
Lamb, Colonel, wounded at Fort
Fisher, 582.
Lane, General, at Fredericksburg, 809 ;
succeeds Pickett in command of
charge at Gettysburg, 894.
Latane, Captain, killed on Stuart's raid,
118.
IXDEX.
081
Latrobe, Colonel, at Fredericksbui^,
316.
Law, General £. M., march of, to
Gettysburg, 865; succeeds to com-
mand of Hood's division at Gettys-
burg, 370; in Chattanooga cam-
paign, 464; claims of, for promotion,
urged by President Davis, 467 ; takes
part in night attack on Hooker's rear-
guard, 476, 477 ; order for preferring
charges against, 477 ; late report on
Federal retreat from Lenoir's Station,
491 (note) ; at Campbell's Station,
494 ; chaise against, that he withheld
attack improperly, 495 ; slow march
of, 614 ; resigns under privilege, 619 ;
action of President Davis towards,
548; rearrest ordered by General
Longstreet, 549.
Lawton, General, ordered by Lee to re-
inforce Jackson, 115; wounded at
Sharpsburg, 248.
Lcadbettcr, General, makes reconnois-
sance at Knoxville, 501 ; favors attack
of Fort Sanders, 502 ; adds postscript
to General Longstreet's letter ui^ing
determined assault of Fort Sanders,
505.
Lee, General Fitzhugh, left in com-
mand of cavalry by Stuart, 160 ;
failure to comply with instructions,
160; consequences of that failure,
196 ; attacked by Pleasonton at South
Mountain, 229 ; on General R. £.
Lee at Gettysburg, 401 ; on Long-
street, 405 ; charges that Longstreet
lost his way in Wilderness, 568, 669 ;
recalled to join Longstreet at Rich-
mond, 691 ; at Five Forks, 697, 598 ;
in retreat from Petersburg, 610.
Lee, General G. W. C, on Longstreet
at Wilderness, 569 ; at Five Forks,
596; at Rice's Station, 613, 614.
Lee, General Robert E., assigned to
command at Seven Pines, 109; im-
pression of, in the army, 112, 113;
established in confidence, 114; plans
simultaneous attack on front and rear
of McClellan, 115 ; adopts suggestion
of Ijongstreet making cliange in
plans against McClellan, 120; orders
Longstreet 's reserve into action at
Gaines's Mill, 127 ; at Frayser's Farm
with President Davis, 134 ; abandons
his original plan at Malvern Hill,
144 ; campaign of, against McClellan
reviewed, 147 et neq. ; momentary
facetiousness, 149 ; letter of, to Gen-
eral Magruder, 150; original plan
for pursuit of McClellan, 162 ; enjoys
increased esteem of his army, 158;
plans of, for striking Pope, 159;
witnesses retreat of Pope, 162; on
field of Manassas, 181, 182; decides
to cross Bull Run and reach Pope's
rear, 186; joins Longstreet on field
and rides under fire, 189 ; injury to,
in stampede, 192; letters of, to Gen-
eral Pope on killing of Kearny, 194 ;
decides to enter Maryland, 200;
orders of, for Maryland campaign,
203 ; address of, to people of Mary-
land, 280; letter of, to Jefierson
Davis, suggesting peace proposition,
204 ; celebrated •' lost order" of, 203,
212, 218 ; receives information of
Federal advance at South Mountain,
219 ; prefers stand at Turner's Pass,
220; orders withdrawal of troops
from South Mountain, 228; with
Longstreet and Hill on field at
Sharpsburg, 254 ; orders fiank move
by Jackson, 267 ; sends for brigades
left at Harper's Ferry, 261; calls
Longstreet his old war-horse, 262;
in contempt of Federal army disperses
forces, 284; description of, 285; re-
organizes army of Northern Virginia,
290; on retirement of McClellan,
291 ; advice of, to citizens of Fred-
ericksburg, 299 ; orders of, at opening
of battle. 308; narrowly escapes
death or injury from a shell, 312;
goes to Richmond, 817 ; orders Long-
street to return from Sutfolk, 826;
grief of, over loss of Stonewall Jack-
son, 328; his conduct of battle of
Chancellorsville, 829; falls on plan
of Northern invasion, 331 ; plans of,
for Gettysburg, 335, 336; caution
G82
IND£X.
off in revealing plans to Richmond
authorities, 336, 337; orders of, to
cavalry chief, 341 ; i^i^ues orders for
march of army to Harrisburg, 844 ;
refuses to credit information of Scout
Harrison, 347 ; changes direction of
march, 348 ; order for concentration
at Cashtown, 348, 351 ; mind dis-
turbed by absence of cavalry, 351 ;
calls Longstreet to ride with him
towards Gettysburg, 851 ; expresses
regret at absence of cavalry, 357 ; on
field of Grettysburg at close of first
day, 357 ; had not intended deliver-
ing general battle, 358 ; gives discre-
tionary order for Second Corps to
attack Cemetery Hill, 359; oflScial
report of, on first day's battle, 359
(note) ; settles on making the open-
ing (second day) by his right, 365;
alleged order of, to Longstreet for bat-
tle at sunrise, 377 et seq. ; excitement
of, 384 ; on battle of Gettysburg, third
day, 385; plans of, 886; claimed
attack was not made early enough,
388 ; on the field with the right, 395 ;
ofiScial report of, on Longstreet's
battle on the right, 397 ; acknowl-
edges fault at Gettysburg, 399, 400 ;
comments upon, 400, 401 ; on field
and rojjponsible for Gettysburg, 402,
405; review of campaigns of, 406;
review of orders of, for Gettysburg,
407 et aeq. ; '* hanler to move than
his lieutenant," 409; in the retreat
from Gj'ttysburg, 429, 430; desires
retirement, 432 ; Longstreet mentions
westward movement to, 434 ; goes
to Richmond, 434 ; letter from, to
Longstreet, 435; letter to. from
Longstreet, 435 ; parting with Long-
street, 437 ; letter from, t<> Long-
street, 469, 470 (note) ; favors sending
Pickett's division to Longstreet, 589 ;
Longstreet 's suggestion to, of plans
for continuance of war, 544 ; goes
to Richmond to confer with author-
ities, 544 ; suppressed excitement of,
in council with Richmond author-
ities, 546; becomes impatient in
Longstreet- Law affair, 649; com-
pared with General Grant, 654 ; gives
orders against general engagement,
658 ; endeavors to lead a brigade in
charge, 560; assumes command on
field after Longstreet is wounded,
665; delays advance, 665, 667; al-
leged saying of, concerning Long-
street, 669 ; hard labors of, 678 ;
becomes anxious about line on n(»rth
side of the James, 579 ; hears from
Longstreet proposition of General
Ord for peace meeting, 684; letters
of, to General Grunt on military
peace convention, 686, 686 ; reply to,
from Creneral Grant, 687 ; consents
to sortie against Fort Steadman, 692 ;
strength of, for defence of Richmcmd,
698, 594 ; endeavors to anticipate
Grant's move around his right, 596 ;
at Petersburg, 604, 606 ; gives orders
for retreat, 608; at Jetersville, 610;
realizes fulness of disaster at Rice's
Station and Sailor's Creek, 614, 615;
at Farmville, 616; urged by officers
to negotiate for surrender, 618 ; letter
to, from General Grant, asking sur-
render, 619 ; replies to, asking terms,
619; letter to, from Gkneral Grant,
stating terms of surrender, 621 ;
writes G^ene^al Grant, proposing
meeting, 622 ; gives orders for ad-
vance to Appomattox Court-House,
623; still hopes to break through
the Federal cordon, 624 ; confers with
Longstreet and Mahone, 624, 625;
rides to meet General Grant, 626,
626, 028; sympathy for, of troops,
629; letter of, to General R. H.
Anderson, 639 ; letter of, to General
Longstreet, congratulating him on
convalesciiiice, 639 ; Iftter to, fVom
Longstreet, 640 ; letter to, from
Longstreet, on impressment of gold,
641 ; letter from, to Longstreet, 642;
letter to, from Longstreet, on im-
pressment of men, 644 ; letter from,
to Longstreet, 645; letter to, from
Longstreet, on impressment of gold,
646 ; letter to, from Longstreet, on
INDEX.
G83
inter\'iew with General Ord, 647;
letter to, from Longstreet, on ex-
change of prisoners, 648 ; letter of,
to Longstreet, on interview with
General Grant, 649; letter to, from
Longstreet, on use of gold, 640;
letter to, fpr>m Longstreet, on guard-
ing Danville Railroad, 650; letter
to, from Longstreet. on Sheridan's
operations, 652; letter of, to Long-
street, on proposed history, 654 ; let-
ter of, to Longstreet, suggesting prep-
aration of memoirs, 656; letter to,
from Longstreet, on battle of Ghiines's
Mill, 6o^I; h'tter of, to Longstreet,
667 ; letter of, to General Ewell, 658.
Lee, Lieutenant-Colonel 8. D., at
Sharpsburg, 248.
Lee, General W. H. F., at Five Forks,
506, 597, 598; in engagement at
Jetersville, 610
Leei«burg, Confederate army at, on the
way to Maryland, 201.
Lenoir's Station, Federal retreat at,
491.
Letters. See Lee, Longstreet, Grant,
etc.
Lewinsville, J. £. B. Stuart disperses
Federals at, 60.
Liddell, General, at Chickamauga, 441,
446.
Lincoki, President, telegrams from, on
Lee in Maryland, 209 ; letter to, from
McClellan, on prospect in Mar^^land,
214; issues emancipation proclama-
tion, 288, 289 ; General Bumside sub-
mits plans to, 292 ; humorous advice
of, to Hooker, 829 ; position in Hamp-
ton Roads conference, 588; desire
attributed to, for devising moans for
payment of slaves, 585.
Long, General A. L., letter of, to Gen-
eral Longstreet, on order for ** battle
at sunrise" (Gettysburg), 880 (note) ;
gives account of appeal of Lee's offi-
cers for surrender, 618 ; on interview
of Generals Lee and Pendleton about
surrender, 020.
Loni;>trt'et, Lieutenant-Genenil Jumes,
birth of, 13 ; appointed to AVcnt Point,
I
15; assigned to duty as brevet lieu-
tenant at Jefferson Barracks, Mis-
souri, 16; goes to Louisiana, 18; to
Florida, 18; assigned lieutenant, 18;
goes to Corpus Chrii»ti, 19 ; at Palo
Alto, 25 ; at Resaca de la Palma, 27,
28; at outbreak of civil war, 29;
leaves Albuquerque, 30; arrives at
Richmond, 82; appointed brigadier-
general, 33; reports to Beauregard
at Manassas Junction, 38; stays re-
treat at Blackburn's Ford, 89; ad-
vance of, at Manassas, 44 ; orders bat-
teries to fire on Federal retreat, 52 ;
criticism of, on McDowell, 54 ; on Ty-
ler's reconnoissance, 55; on Beaure-
gard, 56 ; invited to dine with the en-
emy, 60; promoted major-general,
61 ; marches to CulpeperCourt-House,
65 ; meets President Davis and Gen-
eral Leo in war council at Richmond,
66 ; on McClellan, 66 ; at Williams-
burg, 72, 74 ; opposes attack on Han-
cock's redoubts, 77; estimates forces
engaged at Williamsburg, 79 ; John-
ston's testimonial to, 80 ; in command
of right wing from James River to
White Oak Swamp, 81 ; to strike
against Federal right at Seven Pines,
85; in council with Johnston, 86;
ordered to Williamsburg road, 86;
tactical handling there left to him,
88; complaint against by General
Smith, 90; endeavors to harmonize
with Huger, 92; his battle on the
Williamsburg road, 96; plans for
resuming battle of Seven Pines at
daylight, 108 ; asks for reinforce-
ments and a diversion, 108; makes
appeal for ten thousand men to renew
fight at Seven Pines. 100; meets
(ieneml L<ro, 112; suggests to Lee
movemont against McClellan's right
flank, 114 ; letter to, from D. H. Hill,
115, 116; suggestion of, for method
of attack on McClellan adopted by
I..ee, 120; in conference with Lee
and others, 121 ; at Mechanicsville,
124; puts his reserve into action at
Gaines's Mill, 127 et aeq. ; encounten
684
INDEX.
main force of McClellan at Frav-
ser's Farm, 133; on the field with
President Davis and General Lee,
134; at Malveni Hill, 142, Uo; re-
view by, of campaign, 147 ; ordered
to Gk>rdon8vilIe with ten brigade;t»,
168; proposes move against Pope's
right, 159 ; rides with Lee to Clarke's
Mountain, IGl ; orders arrest of
Toombs, 161, and release of, 166;
reaches Thoroughfare Gap, en route
for Manassas, 173; arrival on field
of Manassas, 180 ; makes reconnois-
sance and reports against attack, 182 ;
right flank of, ordered attacked by
Porter, 184 ; orders batteries to attack
Porter, for Jackson's relief, 187; ar-
rives on field of Chantilly, 104; ob-
jects to movement against Harper's
Ferry, 201, 202 ; orders to, for Marj--
land campaign, 203 ; march of, 206 ;
expresses to General Lee preference
for concentration at Antietam rather
than at Turner's Pass, 219 ; at South
Mountain, 222 ; estimate of troops of,
at South Mountain, 226 ; position of,
in the line, preparatory to battle of
Sharpsburg, 234 ; advance against
his left by Hooker, 286 ; troops of,
ent-cr fight, 242 ; sustains strong at-
tack of General Richardson, 249;
ride of, with General Lee and D. H.
Hill on field of Sharpsburg, 254;
orders McLaws and Walker to pre-
pare to assault, 256 ; called by General
Lee his " old war-borse," 262; criti-
cism of, on Maryland campaign, 279
ei Beq. ; commissioned lieutenant-
general ; 290 ; marches to Cul|>eper
Court-House, 291 ; marches for Fred-
ericksburg, 293 ; on the heiuhts, 298 ;
position of troops of, at Fredericks-
burg, 305 ; views his lin(^ preparatory
to battle, 306; difters with General
Jackson as to the enemy's purpose,
323 ; covers route to Richmond, 323 ;
ordered to south side of James River,
324 ; employs one Harrison as scout,
324; ordered to rejoin Lee, 326;
criticism of, on battle of Chance] lors-
ville, 329, 330 ; proposes measures to
General Lee for relief of Vicksburg,
331 ; urges that campaign in Penn-
2}vlvania should be one of defensive
tactics, 331 ; hends Scout Harrison out
with secret orders, 333 ; takes up
march fur Gettysburg, 337 ; direc-
tions to Stuart for movement of cav-
alry, 342 ; orders treated with con-
tumely, 848 ; entertains Colonel Fre-
mantle, 348 ; Harrison, the scout, re-
ports to, 346 ; suggests, on information
received, change of march eastward,
347 ; rides with General Lee towards
Gettysburg, 351 ; proposes to General
Lee move an>und the Federal left,
358 ; orders columns of First Corps
hurried forward for battle, 869 ; ad-
vances with command, 366 ; rides
with Wofford's brigade into fight at
Little Round Top, 372 ; losses of (on
second day), 378, 376, 877; alleged
order to, for '* battle at sunrise," 377
et seq. ; letter to, from Colonel Tay-
lor, 879; letter to, from Colonel
Venuble, 379; letter to, from Gen-
eral Long, 380; letter to, from
Charies Marshall, 380; letter to,
from Colonel Fairfax, 880, 881 ; letter
to, from J. S. D. CuUen, 388, 884;
losses of, on third day, 386 et aeq.;
sends scouts to find way for striking
the enemy's left, 385 ; interview with
General Lee, 386 ; did not believe in
attack as made, 388; careftilly pre-
pares for making assault, 889, 890 ;
not advised of failure of Confederate
left, 392; rides to batteries, 396;
testimony to claims of, at Gettvs-
burg, 400; Fitzhugh Lee upon,
403 ; Franco-G^»rman war affords
parallel for suggestion of, fi»r move
around Federal loft, 404; refuta-
tion of the statement that he was
*'hrtrd to move," 405 et scq. ; re-
sume of action of, at Gettysburg,
407 et seq. ; in the retreat from
Gettysburg, 429, 430; urges on Sec-
retar)' of War Seddon a westward
movement, 433, 434 ; mentions the
INDEX.
(iSi
;>
matter to General Lee, 434 ; letter to,
from General Lee, 435; letter from,
to General Lee, 435 ; transportation
ordered fdJ* movement of, to Tennes-
see, 436; route of, on westward
movement, 486, 437 ; parting with
Lee, 437 ; reaches General Bragg's
head-quarters, 438; placed in com-
mand of General Bragg's left wing,
439; orders to division commanders
of, from General Bragg, 447 ; orders
Hood's division to assault, 447 ; rides
with General Buckner and comes
under fire of the enemy, 450 ; lunches
on the field, 451 ; reports to General
Bragg on hattle of Chickamauga,
and urges pursuit of enemy, 461 ;
gives opinion to President Davis
against Bragg, 465 ; declines assign-
ment to command of Army of Ten-
nessee, 466; offers resignation to \
President, who declines it, 467 ; urges
appointment of General Micah Jen-
kins to command of Hood's division,
467 ; suggests change of base to
Rome, Georgia, 468 ; letter to, from
General Lee, 469, 470 (note) ; calls a
signal force from Virginia to Tennes-
see, 471 ; defends position, 472, 473 ;
arranges night attack on Hooker's
rear-guard, 475, 476 ; reviews etfects
and possibilities of Western move, •
478, 479; ordered on campaign in .
East Tennessee, 480, 481 ; organ- I
ization of command of, 482; letter
of, to General Buckner on East Ten-
nessee campaign, 484, 485; troops
of, on short rations, 486 ; orders of,
to General Wheeler, 487 ; command
of, in engagement on Little Tennes-
see, 490 ; orders McLaws to assault
fort at Knoxville, 500 ; reinforced by
General Bushrod R. Johnson, 501 ;
ordered by Bragg to attack Knox-
ville, 501 ; orders of, to McLaws for
assault of Fort Sanders, 502; letter
to, from McLaws, urging delay in at-
tack on Fort Sanders, 504 ; answer
of, thereto, 504 ; recalls troops and
gives reasons for, 50&-507 j ordered
by Bragg to co-operate with his
army after defeat at Chattanooga,
507 ; finds conformance to order im-
practicable, 509 ; marches up the
Holston Valley, 511 ; presence of, in
East Tennessee causes concern to
Lincoln, 515, and to Grant, 516;
orders relief of General McLaws,
518; makes honorable mention of
ofiScers, 520 ; renews eflTort to be re-
lieved from service, 524 ; marches to
Dandridge, 526; enters Dandridge
and drinks to General Gordon Gran-
ger, 529 ; General Grant gives orders
that he be driven from Tennessee,
531 ; Foster ordered to off'ensive
against, 532 ; despatches concerning,
from General Grant to Generals Hal-
leck, Thomas, and Schofield, 535-
587 ; orders concentration of forces,
538 ; asks for ten thousand additional
troops, 589 ; purpose of, in latter part
of campaign, 539 ; on campaign in the
far South, 540 ; withdrawal of com-
mand eastward made necessary, 540 ;
asked by Richmond authorities for
suggestions, 548 ; ideas of, on prose-
cution of the war, 544 ; goes to Vir-
ginia and submits plans to G^^neral
Lee, 544 ; criticism of, on Bragg be-
fore Richmond authorities, 546 ; visits
wife at Petersburg, 546 ; returns to
Tennessee, 647 ; rejoins General Lee
on the Rapidan, 547 ; receives vote
of thanks in Congress, 550 ; in com-
mand of First Corps on the Rapidan
(1864), 553; takes short route of
march to field of battle (Wilderness),
556, 557, 559 ; troops of, form under
fire, 560 ; repulses Hancock, 661 ;
makes flanking movement on Han-
cjx'k's loft, 662; rides with flanking
party, 563 ; severely wounded, 664 ;
borne to the rear, 566 ; Northern his-
torian and General Hancock on ad-
vance of, 568; Fitzhugh Lee upon,
568 ; letter to, from Colonel Taylor
on controversy as to guide at Wilder-
ness, 569 ; letter to, from General
Alexander on same subject, 670, 571 ;
080
INDEX.
letter U>, fn>m Colonel Venable on
same, 671; absent on leave, 672;
again at front, and meets General Lee,
673; letter of, to Colonel Taylor,
674 ; assigned to command on north
side of James River, 674 ; orders roads
broken with ploughs, 680 ; puts stop
to picket-tiring, 681 ; meets General
£. O. C. Ord and hears proposition
for peace convention, 688, 684 ; dis-
claims authority to speak on, 684 ;
communicates proposition for meet-
ing, to General Lee, 684 ; advocates
impressment of gold and men, 688 ;
starts in pursuit of Sheridan, 692;
visits General Lee at Petersburg,
604; receives A. P. Hill's corps as
part of his command, 608 ; on retreat
from Richmond, 609 ; marches for
Farmville, pressed by the enemy,
610; saves High Bridge, 612; crosses
Appomattox at Farmville, 616; not
among those of Lee's officers who
urged surrender, 618; says **not
yet" in regard to surrender, 619; re-
fuses to bear to General Lee report
of officers favoring surrender, 620;
calls for interview with General
Lee, 624 ; endeavors to recall General
Lee from ride to General Grant, 626 ;
fonns last line of battle, 626 ; refuses
to surrender to General Custer, 627 ;
meets General Grant, 630 ; formally
surrenders command, 630, 631 ; visits
Washington, 632; calls on General
Grant, 633 ; receives letter to Presi-
dent Johnson, 633; interview of,
with the President, 634 ; is relieved
from political disabilities, 634; en-
gages in business in New Orleans,
634, 636 ; favors holding States under
the President's reconstruction policy,
636; letter of, on the subject to J.
M. G. Parker, Esq., 686, 687; at-
tacked by New Orleans press, 637 ;
appointed surveyor of customs, 638 ;
tribute of, to his old nurse, 638 ; letter
to, from General Lee, congratulating
on convalescence, 639; letter from,
to General Lee, 640; letter of, to
General Lee, on impressment of gold,
641 ; letter to, firom General Lee, on
policy of campaign, 642; letter of,
to General Lee, on impressment of
men, 644; letter to, from General
Lee, 645 ; letter of, to General Lee,
on impressment of gold, 646 ; letter
of, to General Lee, on "peace'* in-
terview with General Ord, 647 ; let-
ter of, to General Lee, on exchange
of political prisoners, 648 ; letter to,
from General Lee, on interview with
General Grant, 649; letter of, to
Greneral Lee, urging use of gold, 649 ;
letter of, to General Lee, on guard-
ing Danville Railroad, 660 ; letter of,
to A. A. General Taylor, on suppres-
sion of desertion, 661 ; letter of, to
General Lee, on Sheridan's opera-
tions, 662 ; letter of, to General Tay-
lor, on policy towards new organiza-
tions, 663; letter to, from General
Lee, on proposed history, 664 ; letter
of congratulation from General Lee,
666 ; letter to, from General Lee, sug-
gesting preparation of memoirs, 666 ;
letter of, to General Lee, on battle
of Gaines's Mill, 666 ; letter to, from
General Lee, on prospects, etc., 667.
Longstreet, Mrs. James, proposed meet-
ing with Mrs. Grant to bring about
])eace, 684 ; in churoh at Richmond,
hears news of defeat at Petersburg,
607.
Longstreet, Owen & Co., letter to, from
General Lee, 656.
Longstreet, Richard, settles in America,
13.
Longstreet, Robert Lee (son of General
Longstreet), birth of, 646.
Longstreet, William, applies steam to
navigation, 1787, 14 ; letter to Gov-
ernor Telfair, 14.
Lookout Mountain, Confederates upon,
463 ; attack near, on Hooker's rear-
guard, 476, 477.
Lost orders, Lee's to Stuart, captured
by Pope, 160, 196; Lee's "General
Order No. 191," in Maryland cam-
paign, 208, 212, 282, 288.
INDEX.
CjS7
Loudon, Fort. See Sanders, Fort.
Lubbock, Colonel, 48.
Lyle, Captain, in affair on Williams-
burg road, 678.
M.
MoCall, General George A., joins Army
of Potomac, 122 ; at Mechanicsville,
124; at Gaines's Mill, 126; report
of, on Frayser's Farm, 186 ; captured
at close of battle (Frayser's Farm), |
138 ; his tenacity of battle, 189.
McClellan, General G^eorge B., 61 ;
called "the young Napoleon," 68 j
delay in marching against Johnston
at Centreville, 64 ; concentrates army
on the James River, 65 ; President
Davis's high opinion of, 66 ; not on
field of Williamsburg until late in
the day, 80; at White House, 82;
organizes two provisional army
corps, 82 ; orders troops withdrawn
from Mechanicsville, 126; orders
change of base to James River, 182;
main force of, encounters Longstreet
at Frayser's Farm, 188 ; masterly
retreat of, 132-140, 151 ; strength of
his position at Malvern Hill, 141 ;
shows himself well equipped in sci-
ence of war, 161 ; on a gunboat on
the James, 161 ; reaches Alexandria,
171 ; marches in slow pursuit of Lee
in Maryland, 208; report of, on
march, 209; receives Lee's *'lost
order," 213; writes President Lin-
coln of prospects in Maryland, 214 ;
writes General Halleck on same, 214^
216; ** makes haste slowly" after
receiving the "lost order," 216;
orders for a<lvance of commands,
217; prisoners claimed by, at South :
Mountain, 226 ; army of, in position
at Antietam, 234; on field with
Hooker, 237; disapproves of attack
by Franklin, 257 ; orders Burnside
to take bridge over Antietam, 268 ;
neither plan nor execution of, strong
at Antietam, 267 ; letter to, from Gov-
ernor Curtin, 282; slow march of.
after Lee in Maryland, 282; his posi-
tion at opening of Maryland cam-
paign, 284, 285; opinion of, against
holding Harper's Ferry, 286; de-
scription of, 285 ; compared and con-
trasted with Lee, 286; crosses the
Potomac, south of the Blue Ridge,
290; relieved from command, 291.
McCook, General A. McD., at Chicka-
mauga, 442; goes before court of
inquiry, 466.
McCook, Colonel D., at Chickamauga,
442.
McDowell, General Irvin, at West
Point, 16 ; in the field, 85 ; at Cen-
treville, 87 ; plan for battle at Ma-
nassas, 48 ; pushes battle by artillery
arm, 49 ; gallant effort of, to recover
lost power, 60 ; criticism of, 64, 66 ; in
command of Third Corps, Army of
Virginia, 168 ; march of, to Manas-
sas intercepted by Jackson, 176,
177 ; at Manassas, 190.
McElroy, Colonel, death of, 620.
McLaws, Major-General L., at Wil-
liamsburg, 70; at Seven Pines, 107,
108; march of, in Maryland cam-
paign, 207, 208; orders from, at
Crampton's Pass, 230; at Maryland
Heights, 281 ; arrives at Sharpeburg,
244; brigades of, enter battle, 246,
247 ; losses of Lee's army in, 266 ;
at Fredericksburg, 807 et seq. ; at
Gettysburg, 870, 893, 896, 897; in
retreat from Gettysburg, 431 ; bri-
gades of, start with L(»ngstreet'8
command for Tennessee, 437 ; two
brigades of, arrive at Chickamauga,
439 ; but commander and other bri-
gades too late, 440; finally joins
Longstreet, 462 ; posts army m nemi-
circle near Chattanooga, 463 ; en-
gages in attack on Hooker's rear-
guard, 476, 477; in engagement on
Little Tenn^see, 490 ; reaches Knox-
ville, 495 ; advance of, 497 ; ordered
to assault of fort, 600 ; again ordered
to assault, 602; orders of, to com-
mand for assault, 603 ; letter of, to
General Longstreet, urging delay of
088
INDEX.
assault, 504 ; l«tter to, from General
Longstreet, 604 ; makes ar^i^ault, 505,
506; relief of, ordered by General
Longstreet, 518 ; inquires cause there-
for, 518 ; is restored to duty, 548.
Magruder, Fort, at Williamsburg, 68 ;
attack on, 78.
Magruder, General J. B., 66 ; rein-
forced by Huger and Early, 67 ;
builds fortifications at Williamsburg,
G8; engages with Sumner at Allen's
Farm and Savage Station, 182.
Mahone, General William, in battle of
Wilderness, 562; arrests advance of
Hancock before Richmond, 576 ; at
Petersburg, 606 ; describes General
Lee's reception of disaster in retreat
to Appomattox, 614, 615 ; fires High
Bridge, 615; at Cumberland Church,
615; at Farmville, 617; in confer-
ence with General Lee at Appomat-
tox, 625.
Malvern Hill, battle of, 141 ; positions
of troops on field of, 141, 142; Con-
federates make poor use of artillery,
143 ; General Lee abandons his origi-
nal plan, 144 ; battle begun by ad-
vance of the Confederate right, 144 ;
Confederates repulsed, 144 ; Federals
march to Harrison's Landing, 146;
Jackson ordered to follow retreat,
146 ; casualties, 151.
Manassas (or Bull Run), first battle of,
field chosen by Beauregard, 33 ; de-
scription of, 34 ; Beauregai-d's plan
of battle, 36; McDowell's arrival,
85, 87 ; opening of battle, 88, 46 ;
forces available, 41 ; McDowell's ad-
vance driven back, 46; Terrj-'s and
Lubbock's reconnoissance, 45, 48 ;
fight assumes large proportions, 48 ;
Jackson christened " Stonewall," 49 ;
Beauregard in command on left, 49 ;
Kirby Smith 's forces arrive, 50 ; Mc-
Dowell makes effort to recover lost
power, 50 ; fiight of Federals, 51 ;
Longstreet's order to fire on retreat
countermanded by General Bonham,
52 ; pursuit revoked, 58 ; losses, 53 ;
criticism of McDowell, 54, 56 ; Ty-
ler's ivcoiinoissance, 55; Confi*derat€
battle-flag, 5rt ; organization of forces,
57, 58.
Manassas (or Bull Run), sec<»nd battle
of, making ready for, 163 ei seq, ;
striMigth of confronting armies, 169 ;
advance of Pope to, 170; Jackson
first on the field, 171 ; Pope reaches
the Junction, 172; first passage of
arms on field, 172 ; Longstreet at
Thoroughfare Gap, 178, 174 ; engage-
ment at, 175, 176; Jackson attacks
King's division at Groveton, 175,
176; Pope's orders to Porter, 178,
179; battle opened by Federals
against Jackson's right, 180; posi-
tions of troops, 181 ; Kearny opens
against Jackson's left, 182; Long-
street reports against attack, 182 ; Lee
returns to first plan of battle, 183;
Confederate advance anticipated by
Federals, 184 ; Pope on his orders to
Porter, 185 ; Pope mistakenly thinks
Confederates retri'ating, 185, 186;
Porter ordered against Jackson's
front, 186 ; Longstreet orders batter-
ies against Porter, 187 ; charge of
Longstreet's troops, 187 ; Lee rides
under fire, 189; action of United
States regulars, 190 ; Federals retreat,
190 ; Jackson and Stuart ordered in
pursuit, 191 ; foives engaged, and
losses, 195; retreat covered by Sum-
ner, 196; review of campaign, 196,
197.
Manassas Junction, Longstreet repr)rt<
at, to Beauregard, 83; raid on, by
Stuart and Trimble, 167; engage-
ment at, 169.
Manning, Colonel P. T., wounded
while lunching with Longstreet on
field of Chickamauga, 451.
Mansfield, Major-Gcneral Joseph K.
F., crosses the Antietam prepani-
tory to battle, 237 ; mortally wounded
at Antietam, 242.
Marshall, Colonel, letter of, to Gen-
eral Longstreet, on alleged order by
General Lee for battle '' at sunrise,'
380 (note).
INDEX.
689
lAutin, Major-General, 441 ; super-
sedes Wheeler in command of Con-
federate cavalry at Knoxville, 500;
operations against Sturgis's cavalry,
622; in affair at Dandiidge, 626,
627 ; in atfair near Dandridge, 532 ;
President Davis orders cavalry of,
sent to Johnston, 539 ; leaves Long-
street for Georgia, 542.
Marye, Captain, at Manassas, 40.
Maryland campaign, the, 199 et aeq.
{see Harper's Ferry, Sharpsburg,
etc. ) ; review of, 279 et eeq.
Mason, George T., killed on the Kio
Grande, 23.
Matamoras, Taylor's army at, 22.
May, Charles, heroism of, at Resaca de
la Palma, 28.
Meade, General George G., at South
Mountain, 223-225; at Antietam,
241 ; handsome advance of, at
Fredericksburg, 308, 309; succeeds
Hooker in command of the Armv
of the Potomac, 348 ; wires General
Halleck of plans, 349 ; suggestions
to, by General Ilalleck that Lee may
turn his left, 300; position of, on
second day at Gettysburg, 368 ;
recognizes and fears move by Con-
federate right, 368 ; holds council on
night of second day, 376 ; not appre-
hensive of Lee's left, 389 ; attempts
to bring his left against Longstreet's
battle, 396 ; on suggestion of Long-
street to work towards his line of
communications, 404 ; concentrates
army at Warrenton, 432; before
the battle of the Wilderness, 552;
orders his troops into action, 559 ; at
Petersburg, 608; follows retreat,
610, 611.
Mechanics\ille, battle of, attack by A.
P. Hill, 123, 124; losses of first day,
124 ; McClellan orders withdrawal,
125.
Memoirs of General Longstreet, sug-
gested by General Lee, 655.
Merritt, General Wesley, Sheridan's
chief of cavalry, 590, 598.
Mexican war, beginning of, 18; pre-
cipitated by movement to the Rio
I Grande, 21, 22 ; first hostilities, 28 ;
Palo Alto, 25 ; Resaca de la Palma,
26.
Miles, Colonel Dixon H., mentioned by
McClellan, 215; mortally wounded
at Harper's Ferry, 232; orders to,
from General Wool, 286.
Miles, General, at Petersburg, 608.
Miller, Captain, at Gettysburg, 395.
Mills, Colonel Roger Q., commands
brigade at Chickamauga, 446.
Milroy, General, fights severe engage-
ment with Ewell at Winchester, 389.
Minnegerode, Rev., pastor of church
in Richmond, 607.
Mitchell, General R. B., at Chicka-
mauga, 442.
Moore, Colonel, killed at Seven Pines,
99.
Morgan, General John T., in engage-
ment on Little Tennessee River, 490 ;
in affair near Dandridge, 532.
"Mud March," the, 323.
Mumford, General T. T., at Five
Forks, 696, 597 ; ordered by Long-
street against Ord's bridge-burners,
612; at Cumberland Church, 615;
captures part of Gregg's cavalry,
617 ; at Appomattox, 629.
N.
Naglee, General, at Bumside's Bridge
(Antietam), 269.
Napoleon, quotation from, 405.
Negley, General, at Chickamauga, 442.
Negroes, Confederate Congress pro-
vides for enrolment of, as soldiers,
582 ; suffrage of, 636.
Nichols, General W. A., at Gettys-
burg, 874; extends hospitality to
Longstreet, 632, 633.
North Carolina, Fifth Regiment,
slaughter in ranks of, at Williams-
burg, 78.
Nurse, the old, 638.
O.
Ord, General £. O. C, 62 ; meets Gen-
eral Longstreet, 588 ; proposes meet-
690
IXDEX.
ing of commanders in interest of
peace, 584 ; called by General Grant
to south side of the James, 595 ; fol-
lowing Confederate retreat from
Petersburpf, 610; orders burning of
High Bridge, 611; at Appomattox,
628, 624; interview with, described
by Longstreet, 647.
Orders, lost. See Lost orders.
Owen, Edward, 685.
Owen, Miller, 685.
Owen, William, 685.
Palmer, General J. M., at Chicka-
mauga, 442.
Palo Alto, 24.
Parke, General John G., in command
at Knoxville, 496; takes the field
along the rear of Longstreet 's march,
512 ; assumes command of Federals
in field on march to Dandridge, 528 ;
at Fort Steadman, 594, 595; at
Petersburg, 605, 606.
Parker, J. M. G., letter to, from Gen-
eral Longstreet, 686, 687.
Patrick, General, at Antietam, 266;
carries Sumner's demand for sur-
render of Fredericksburg to civil
authorities and General Longstreet,
294 ; in attack, 809.
Patterson, Robert, opposing Johnston
in the Valley, 42, 58.
Peace, propositions for, by General
Lee, 204 ; to be secured because gold
had gone up to 200, 817; talk
of, 582; mission of Hon. Mont-
gomery Blair, 588 ; proposition of
General Ord to Longstreet for meet-
ing of commanders in interest of,
588, 584 ; proposed meeting of wives
of Generals Gnint and Longstreet
in interest of, 684 ; correspondence
of Gknerals Lee and Grant, 585, 586 ;
General Grant disclaims authority to
act upon, 587 ; Longstreet on inter-
view with General Ord, 547.
Pegram, Colonel, at Five Forks, 597;
mortally wounded, 599.
Pegram, General, at Chickamauga,
441.
Pemberton, General, commissioned
lieutenant-general, 290; with Presi-
dent Davis before Army of the Ten-
nessee, 469 ; troops threaten mutiny
when they hear Davis's purpose to
assign him to command of Polk's
corpji, 470.
Pender, General, at Shepherdstown,
264; at Fredericksburg, 807; at
Gettysburg, 854.
Pendleton, General, at Shepherds-
town, 2»)4 ; saw opportunity for the
right at Gettyjiburg, 808; charges
of, againf?t First Corps, 377 ; delivers
to Gen**n»l Lee opinion of ofScers
favorable to surrender, 618; inter-
view with General Lee on proposi-
tion for surrender, 620, 621.
Peninsula, the, G8.
Peninsular campaign (see Chicka-
hominy. Seven Pines, 3Iechanic8-
ville, Gaines's Mill, Malvern Hill,
etc.), losses in, 151.
Pennsylvania, invasion of, 881, 884.
See Gettysburg.
Perry, General, at Gettysburg, 871.
Petersburg, battle of. Confederates
cross the James, 608; General
Grant's concerted assault, 604 ; Gen-
eral Wright makes opening assault,
605 ; death of General A. P. Hill,
605 ; General Grant rides over cap-
tured works, 606 ; news of, received
bv President Davis in church at
Richmond, 607 ; fierce assaults on
Fort Gregg, 607 ; heavy losses at Fort
Whitworth, 608; Lee gives orders
for retreat, 608 ; Lee purposed to join
Johnston in North Carolina, 610.
Pettigrew, General, wounded and cap-
tured at Seven Pines, 98 ; charge of,
at Gettysburg, compared with those
of Meade's divisions at Fredericks-
burg, 814 ; at Gettysburg, 862 ; posi-
tion of, on third day (Gettysburg),
888; famous charge, 898; wounding
of, 894; attacked by Kilpatrick in
retreat from Gettysburg, 480.
IXDKX.
691
Pifkctt. Opncral Ge<»r/j:e E., at Scvon
IMiiis, 108; at Gaines's Mill, 127,
128; at oj>cning of FrtHlcricksburg,
800 ; his charge at Gettysburg com-
pared with that of Meade's division
at Fredericksburg, 314 ; ]X)sition of,
on third day, 888; Alexander gives
notice Uk and Longstrpct affirms
order for advance of, 892 ; General
Lee favors sending division of, to
Longstreet, in Tennes^^ee, 689 ; re-
called, to join Longstreet, 691 ;
ordered to join Lee at Petersburg,
.')92 ; opens battle of Five Forks, 696,
697 ; rides und<T Are to his command,
699; position at Five Forks not of
his cht>osing, GOO; generalship of,
601 ; reinforced too late, 699, 602 ;
in engagement at Amazon Creek,
606 ; escapes capture at Rice's Sta-
tion, 614.
Pleasonton, General Alfred, in Mary-
land campaign, 209, 210; pushes
Confederate cavalry back from the
Maryland mountains, 216 ; opens
battle of South Mountain, 221 ;
crosses bridge No. 2 (Antietam),
252 ; in command of cavalry divi-
sion under Burnside's reorganiza-
ti<»n, 292 ; engages Stuart's cavalry
at Brandy Station, 838 ; drives
Stuart back to Ashby's Gap, 341.
Poe, Captain, constructs Federal earth-
works at Knoxville, 496; report on
work by citizens and contrabands,
600.
Political prisoners, General Lee upon
exchange of, 686 ; General Grant
upon,, 687; Longstreet on exchange
of, 648.
Polk, General Leonidas (Bishop), com-
missioned lieutenant-general, 290 ;
in command of right wing at Chick-
amauga, 489 ; put under charges by
General Bragg, 466.
Pope, Major-General John, in com-
mand of Army of Virginia, 163 ; dis-
plays bold front as a diversion, 154 ;
injudicious orders of, 164 ; " General
Orders No. 11," 166; his attitude
towards non-oombatants rontra>»ted
with Scott's in Mexico, 165, 166;
engages with Jackson at Slaughter
Mountain, 157; increases strength
of his army, 159; captures one of
Lee's orders and officers, 160; puts
army in retreat across the Rappahan-
nock, 160; head-quarters of, raided
by Stuart, 165 ; forms plan to attack
Lee, 166 ; concentrates Army of Vir-
ginia at Warrenlon, 168 ; orders for
advance and concentration at Manas-
sas, 171 ; reaches Manassas Junction,
172; orders to Porter, 178, 179;
orders for attack at Manassas, 180;
orders Porter to attack Longstreet's
right, 184 ; his report upon, 186 ;
mistakingly supposes Confederates
. retreating, 185, 186 ; letter to, from
General Lee, on death of Kearny,
194 ; criticism of, in Manassas cam-
paign, 197.
Porter, Major-General Pitz-John, in
command of Fifth Corps, 82; at
Mechanicsville, 122; at Gaines's
Mill, 126; at Malvern Hill, 141;
ordered by Pope to Manassas, 171 ;
march of, delayed, 171 ; Pope's
orders to, for Manassas, 178 ; ordered
to attack Longstreet's right flank,
184 ; receives order too late, 186 ; or-
dered to attack Jackson's front, 186 ;
hard battle against, by Jackson and
Longstreet, 187, 188 ; at Antietam,
234 ; ordered ready to enter battle,
252.
Porter, Tbeoderic, in theatricals on
Mexican frontier, 20; killed on the
Rio Grande, 28.
Potomac, Army of. See Army of the
Potomac.
Potter, General R. D., in East Tennes-
see campaign, 490, 492.
Powell, William H., report of, on
Second Manassas, 190.
Preston, General William, at Chicka-
mauga, 489, 460 (note); gains Snod-
grass Hill, 455.
Provisional Army Corps, two organ-
ized by McClellan, 82,
G92
INDEX.
Bains, General, leaves percussion shells
at Williamsburg, 79.
Bansom, General, at Fredericksburg,
a09, 810, 813 ; at Five Forks, 696,
698 ; horse killed, 699.
".^eed. General Theodore, mortally
wounded in engagement at Cum-
berland Church, 616.
±legulars. United States, at First Manas-
' sas, 87, 61 ; at Second Manassas, 189,
190.
Beno, General Jesse, division of, joins
Pope at Culpeper, 169 ; captures
signal station, IGl ; killed at South
Mountain, 228.
Besaca de la Palma, 26-28.
Betreate, the great (McClellan's), 182-
162; from Gettysburg, 426 et
seq.
Beynolds, General John F., at Me-
chanicsville, 126 ; ordered to attack
at Manassas (Second), 180; in com-
mand of right wing of Union army
at Gettysburg, 868 ; death of, 364.
Beynolds, General, at Chickamauga,
441.
Bice's Station, 611 ; engagement at,
613, 614.
Bichardson, General I. B., at Sharps-
burg, 244, 247 ; brave advance of,
against Confederate centre, 248, 260 ;
occupies Piper House at Antietam,
261 ; mortally wounded, 261.
Bichardson, Colonel John«B., at Sec-
ond Manassas, 188; at Sharpsburg,
268, 269; at Fredericksburg, 819;
at Gettysburg, 411.
Bichmond, apprehended advance on,
64 ; practicable routes to, 64 ; D. H.
Hill's denial of reported proposed
abandonment of, when Lee assumed
command, 116, 116; Burnside's
march for, 293 ; route to, covered by
Longstreet after Fredericksburg bat-
tle, 328, 824 ; armies again in front
of, 672 et aeq. {see Bichmond, cam-
paign of, in 1864) ; news of Peters-
burg received at, 607.
"Richmond authorities," forced to
extremity, call for suggestions as to
conduct of the war, 643; Lee and
Longstreet confer with, 644. See
Bichmond, campaign against.
Bichmond, campaign against, in 1864,
fall of General J. E. B. Stuart, 673 ;
Longstreet assigned to command
north of the James, 674 ; Confeder-
ate positions, 676; General Grant
conceives plan for left attack, 675,
676; Mahone arrests advance of
Hancock, 676; afiair on the Wjl-
liamsburg road, 676-678; closing
scenes of (1864), 679; Sherman's
movements come into remote bearing
upon affairs around the capital, 680;
Longstreet orders roads broken up
with ploughs, 680; General Grant
strengthens combination against
Bichmond, 690; General Grant or-
ders a grand move by his left, 692 ;
General Lee gives consent to sortie
against Fort Steadman, 692; posi-
tions and strength of Federal army,
693; General Lee's strength, 693,
694 ; storming of Fort Steadman,
694; losses at Fort Steadman, 696;
General Grant begins movement
around the Confederate right, 696;
General Lee endeavors to anticipate
the movement, 696 (see Five Forks,
battle of, Petersburg, battle of, etc.) ;
Longstreet in retreat marches for
Farmville, 610; General Meade's
pursuit, 610, 61 1 ; movements of
Generals Ord and Longstreet, 611,
612; High Bridge saved by Long-
street, 612; engagement at Rice's
Station, 613, 614; Confederate dis-
aster, 614 ; General Lee's reception
of the news described by General
Mahone, 614, 616; engagement at
Cumberland Church, 616; panic
among Confederate teamsters at
Farmville, 616; engagement at
Farmville, 616, 617. See Appo-
mattox, surrender at.
Bidgely, Randolph, heroism of, at
Resaca de la Palma, 27.
IXDEX.
003
Ripley, General, w<mn<l«Kl at Sharps-
burg, 248.
Robertson, General J. B., in engage-
ment at Lookout Valley, 476, 477 ;
charges and specifications against,
617 ; sentenced to suspension, 548.
Robinson, James, Longstreet's guide
in Wilderness, (AS.
**Rock Brigade,' at Chickamauga,
448 ; at Petersburg, 606.
Rodcs, General R. E., takes Federal
redoubt and battery at Seven Pines,
94; at South Mountain, 224; at
Sharpsburg, 247 ; at Gettysburg, 366,
874.
Rosecrans, General W. S., threatening
of, in Georgia, 433; understood
Bragg's plan for Chickamauga, 439 ;
rides along Union lines on eve of
battle, 443; at Chattanooga, 463;
reports condition of army deplora-
ble, 470; superseded in command
by General George H. Thomas, 472.
Rosier, Colonel, on the Rappahannock,
164, 218, 221 ; Genenil, saves portion
of Early's command and reports to
Longstreet, 691 ; at Five Forks,
696; ordered by Longstreet against
Ord's bridge-burners, 612 ; at Cum-
berland Church, 615 ; captures part
of Gregg's cavalry, 617.
Uuft', Colonel, honorably mentioned,
and death of, 620.
Ruger, General, opens against Ewell
(Gettysburg, third day), 387, 888.
S.
Sailor's Creek, Confederate disaster at,
613-616.
St. John, Brigadier-General F. M.,
appointed commissary-general of sub-
sistence, 583.
Sanders, Fort, assault on, by General
McLaws, 605, 506.
Scales, General, wounded at Gettys-
burg, 389.
Scammon, Colonel, at Burnside's Bridge
(Antietam), 269.
Schofield, General J. M., despatch to,
from General Grant, on driving
Longstreet out of Tennessee, 535,
638 ; despatch of, to General Thomas,
637.
Schurz, General Carl, at Gettysburg,
355.
Scott, General Winfield, 87 ; treatment
of non-combatants in Mexican war,
156 ; advice of, as to '* wayward sis-
ters," 681.
Scout Harrison employed by Long-
street, 824; reports to Longstreet
before Gettysburg, 846.
Seddon, Secretary of War, sends scouts
to Longstreet, 824 ; Longstreet calls
on, and makes proposition to, for
Western movement, 827, 409 ; West-
ern movement again urged on, by
Longstreet, 488, 484.
Sedgwick, General, di\nsion of, leads
Sumner's advance at Sharpsburg,
244, 245 ; encounters heavy fire, 246 ;
in command of Sixth Corps, 662.
Semmes, General, at Gettysburg, 870;
mortally wounded, 871.
Seven Days' Retreat, McClellan's, 132,
152.
Seven Pines (or Fair Oaks) , battle of, 81 ;
new line of defence, 81 ; McClellan
advances to the Chickahominy, 82;
preliminary affairs, 82 ; positions of
the armies, 88, 84 ; Johnston seeks to
strike McClellan before McDowell
can reach him, 85; Johnston holds
council, 85, 86 ; Longstreet ordered
to Williamsburg road, 86; tactical
handling there left to him, 88 ; ter-
rific storm on eve of battle, 88 ; John-
ston's orders for Generals Smith and
Huger, 89 ; lack of harmony between
Longstreet, Smith, and Huger, 90,
92 ; hour of opening battle, 98 ;
Garland and the two Andersons
strongly engage, 94 ; Rodes takes
Federal redoubt and battery, 94;
Longstreet's battle on the Williams-
burg road, 96; McClellan orders
Sumner's corps to the fight, 97;
Sumner's reports quoted, 98; QeH'
(m
IXBEX.
(Till Smith }»f»aton, Oft; Oonornl
.I<>hiif:t'»n onJprs troops to tflvep on
their linos, 1(X); Johni^ton woumk'd,
100; summarv of forces and Ioppps,
101, 102; Lono^trpet plans fur re-
fiuming battlo at daylifirht, lOS; the
R^ocond day'!* battle, 10') ; General
Smith holds a council, 107; Long-
street asks for reinforcements and a
diversion, 108 ; PickettV hrave stand,
108; hjsses, 110; critici^n on General
Smith, 110, 111; the battle should
not have been lo^t by the Confeder-
ates, 110; Koyes'scorroVioration, 110.
Seward, Secretary, 683.
Seymour, General, taken prisoner at
Wilderness, 565.
Shaler, General, captured at Wilder-
ness, 565.
Shannon, Lieutenant, at Cbickamauga,
441.
Sharpsburg (or Antictam), battle of,
preliminaries, 227 et seq. ; bead of
Lee's armv reaches the Antietam,
233 ; Union army on the field, 234 ;
McClellan makes reconnoissance,
234; de8cription of the field, 235;
Hooker advances against Longstreet,
236; Jackson arrives from Harper's
Ferry, 23G; General Mansfield
crosses the Antietam, 237 ; the
bloodiest single day of the war, 239 ;
comparison with other battles, 240;
battle opens, 241 ; fall of General
Mansfield, 242; heavy losses in
General Walker's, Hood's, and Hill's
commands, 243; Federals in heavy
columns cross the Antietam, 244;
Sumner's advance, 245, 247; Rich-
ardson's march against the Con-
federate centre, 248; Longstreet's
battle on the Hagerstown pike, 249 ;
fall of G. B. Anderson, 249 ; Rich-
ardson mortally wounded, 251 ; at-
tack against Confederate centre re-
duced to defensive, 252; Pleasonton
crosses bridge No 2, 252 ; his threat-
ening demonstration checked, 258 ;
D. H. Hill's horse shot under him,
264 ; Jackson ordered to turn Fed-
eral right, 257; McClellan 's ortb-rs
to Burn<:id(> to take bridg**. 258;
charge of C'olonel Duryea, 25l» ; ad-
van(»e against Longstri'et's right,
260; arrival of General A. P. Hill,
261 ; Bum^ide's progress arrt^ted,
262 ; meeting (»f Lee and L<»ngstre«*t
after close of battle, 262 ; Lee with-
draws acn>ss the Potomac, 268 {nee
Sheph«»nlstown) ; strength of armie«,
265; h»sses, 266; McClellan's plan
and execution not strong, 267 ; Con-
federate tnwps engaged in, 267 ;
Ftnieral troops engaged in, 271 ;
full significance of batth% 288 ; com-
ments on Stonewall Jackson at, 401
(note).
Shepherdstown, Lee's army crosses
Potomac at, 263 ; engagement at,
264, 265.
Sheridan, General P. H., at Cbicka-
mauga, 442; in command of Fed-
erals of Foster's army on march to
Dandridge, 528 ; in fight at Yellow
Tavern, 573; marches cavalry from
the valley to join Sherman, 690 ; in
battle of Five Forks, 596, 697, 698;
at Petersburg, 606 ; at Appomattox,
622; Longstreet on operations of,
652.
Sherman, General William T., at West
Point, 17; advance of, at Manassas,
48 ; marching on Chattanooga, 480 ;
proposes to strike Hardee, 616 ; move-
ments of, come into remote bearing
upon matters around Richmond, 680 ;
progressive movements of, 681.
Sickles, General Daniel, at Fredericks-
bun;, 309; in aflair at the Peach
Orchard (Gettysburg), 366, 871;
wounded, 871.
Sigel, General, in command of First
Corps, Army of Virginia, 163 ; or-
dered by Pope to attack at Manassas
(Second), 180.
Sims, Captain, at Appomattox, 627.
Slaughter Mountain, battle at, 167.
Slaughter, M., mayor of Fredericks-
burg, reply of, to General Sumner's
demand for surrender, 294-296.
IXDEX.
695
Slocuin, Gi'HcrHl H**nrv W.. at Cramp-
ton 'js Pa.-*?, 229; at Gettysburg, 85ij.
Smith, Gcnenil E. K.. commissioned
lieutenant-generul, 290.
8mith, Major-General G. W., reports
for dutv with Annv of Northern
Virginia. 60; called to Richmond tor
council with War Department, 65;
Johnston's onlers to. for Sevt»n Fines,
89 ; complaint of, again>t Longstreet,
1K> ; beaten at S«^ven Pines, 08 ; com-
mand devolved ujx»n, temporarily,
after Johnston was wounded, 100;
standing of, 103 ; holds council, 107 ;
criticism upon, 110, 111 ; r<»signation
of. 111.
Smith, General Kirby, arrives on field
of Manassas, 40 ; is wounded, 60.
Smith, General M. L., in Wilderness,
561 ; makes reconnoissance and leads
flanking f(»rce, 562, 563.
Smith, Major Melancthon, at Chicka-
mauga, 441.
Smith, General W. F., at Crampton's
Pass, 229; opens line of railway on
the Tennessee, 472 ; move of, against
Confederate sharp-shooters, 473.
Soldiers, the Confederate, tributes to,
200, 288 ; anmsement of, 825.
Sorrel, Lieutenant-Colonel G. M., 47;
goes with Longstreet to Chicka-
mauga, 438 ; communicates to Gen-
eral McLaws order of relief from
General Longstreet, 518 ; leads divi-
sions in flanking party in Wildernes.s,
562; appointed brigadier, 581.
South Mountain, description of, 218;
advance of Union forces to, 219 ;
battle of, opened by Generals Pleas-
onton and Cox, 221 ; General Gar-
land killed, 221 ; Federals in superior
strength numerically, 222 ; General
Reno killed, 223 ; the strong battle
against General Rodes, 224 ; exhaus-
tion of the troops, 225 ; losses, 225 ;
Lee orders withdrawal of troops from,
228.
SUff of General Lee, 573.
Steadman, Fort, sortie against. 592 ei
seq.
Steamlwat invented by William Long-
street, 14.
StetMlmaii, General, at Chickamauga,
442.
StephiMis, Hon. Alex. H., 583.
Steuart, General Get>rge H., marches
thmugh McConnellsburg and Car-
lisle, 345; at Gettysburg, 374; at
Five Forks, 600.
Stevens, General I. L, at West Point,
17 ; division of, joins Pope on Rap-
pahannock, 161 ; at Manassas (Sec-
ond), 182; killed at Chantilly, 194;
tribute to, 195.
Stewart, General, at Chickamauga,
439; makes strong advance and
assault, 447.
Strawberry Plains. Set Dandridge.
Stribling's battery, captured at SuflTolk,
325.
Stuart, General J. £. B., disperses
Federals at Lewinaville, 60; at
Dranesville, 62 ; opposes Hooker on
the Hampton and Torktown roads,
68, 69; at Williamsburg, 75; recon-
noissanoe bv, around McClellan's
army, 116-119; cuts off Stoneman's
cavalry at Savage Station, 180; at
Erlington Heights, 146; raids Gen-
eral Pope's head-quarters, 165, 166;
captures supplies, etc., at Manassas
Junction, 167; cavalry of, in first
passage of arms on field of Manassas,
172; takes a nap on the field, 188;
in pursuit of Pope's retreat, 198 ; at
Maryland Heights, 229 ; rides around
Union army at Sharpsburg and Har-
per's Ferry, 290; engages Pleason-
ton's cavalry at Brandy Station, 888;
orders to, from General Lee, for march
to Pennsylvania, 340; driven by
Pleasonton back to Ashbj's Gap,
341 ; directions to, from Longstreet,
for movements by cavalry, 842 ; late
arrival of, at Gettysburg, 878 ; stub-
born fight of, on third day, 896;
covering Confederate retreat from
Gettysburg, 428; death of, at Yel-
low Tavern, 672, 578 ; character of,
578.
G96
INDEX.
Sturgis, General, at Burnsido's Bridge
( Antietam), 259 ; operations against
Martin's cavalry, 621, 522; occupies
Dandridge, 526; in affair at Dan-
dridge, 526 ; attempts to strike Mar-
tin's rear, 527.
Suffolk, General Longstreet's operations
about, 324.
Sumner, General E. V., in command
of right on Chickahominy, 84; or-
dered by McClellan into battle at
Seven Pines, 97; reports of, 98;
defeats Magruder at Savage Station,
182 ; gallant covering of retreat from
Second Manassas, 196; Lee's ''lost
order" found in camp of, 213; ad-
vance of, at Sharpsburg, 245 ; eager-
ness and bravery of, 247 ; in com-
mand of Right Grand Division Army
of the Potomac, 292 ; calls for sur-
render of Fredericksburg, 293 ; troops
of, enter Fredericksburg, 804.
** Sunrise order" for battle at Gettys-
burg, 877 et seq.
Surrender. See Appomattox, surrender
at.
Sykes, General, in command of United
States regulars at Manassas, 51 ; at
Second Manassas, 189 ; at Fredericks-
burg, 318 ; corps of, at Little Round
Top, 871.
T.
Taliaferro, General, wounded at Grove-
ton, 177 ; at Fredericksburg, 309.
Taylor, Colonel Erasmus, on Lee's ac-
knowledgment of fault at Gettys-
burg, 400 ; takes guide to Longstreet
in Wilderness, 657 ; letter of, to
Longstreet, on controversy as to
guide at "Wilderness, 569.
Taylor, General, mortally wounded at
Manassas Junction, 170.
Taylor, Assistant Adjutant-Greneral W.
H., letter of, to General Longstreet,
on ordet for " battle at sunrise"
(Gettysburg), 379 (note) ; on sup-
porting Longstreet at Gettysburg,
897; states strength of Army of
Northern Virginia (May, 1864), 553 ;
letter to, from Longstreet, 574; re-
ports Lee's strength for defence of
Richmond, 593, 594 ; letter to, from
Longstreet, 651 ; letter to, from
Longstreet, on policy towards new
organizations, 653.
Taylor, General Zachary, in command
of *'armv of observation" in Louisi-
ttr
ana, 18; moves to the Rio Grande,
21 ; calls for volunteers, 23 ; at Re-
saca de la Palma, 27.
Tennessee, Army of the. See Army of
Tennessee.
Tennessee campaign, 438 et aeq. See
Chickamauga, battle of, etc.
Tennessee, East, campaign of. See East
Tennessee campaign.
Terry, Colonel, 48, 596.
Terr}', General, before Richmond, 576 ;
in second expedition against Wil-
mington, 582; at Five Forks, 595,
597, 600.
Texas seeks annexation, 18.
Thomas, Colonel, death of, 520.
Thomas, G^eneral George H., at West
Point, 17; commands four divisions
of Rosecrans's army at Chicka-
mauga, 441-443 ; calls for reinforce-
ments, 446 ; supersedes General Rose-
crans in command, 472 ; called on by
General Foster for troops to aid in
campaign against Longstreet, 533 ;
despatch from General Grant to, on
Longstreet, 534-537 ; despatch to,
from General Schofteld, 537.
Thompson, Major, killed, 630.
Thoroughfare Gap, Longstreet's ad-
vance column at, 173 ; description of,
174. See Manassas, Second.
Tidball's artillery at Fort Steadman,
594.
Toombs, General Robert, on the Chick-
ahominy, 113 ; ordered under nrrost
by Longstreet, 161 ; released, ICfj ; at
Second Manassas, 189 ; gallantly de-
fends bridge against Burnside, 257 ;
forced to retire, 260.
Triggs, General, at Chickamauga, 449.
Trimble, General, in engagement on
Rappahannock, 164; at Manassas
INDEX.
697
Junction, 167 ; charge of, at Gettys-
burg com (Mired with that of Meade's
men at Fredericksburg, 314 ; p<»sition
of, at Gettyshurg, third day, 888;
in the famous charge, 393 ; wound-
ing of, 394.
Turner, General, at Petersburg, fJOT ;
aaaaulU Fort Whitworth, (K)8.
'^ler, General, reconnoissance of, at
Manassas, 38, 56.
V.
Vance, (Jeneral, captured by Federals,
681.
Van Cleve, General H. P., at Chicka-
mauga, 442.
Venable, Colonel Charles S., men-
tioned, 8«3, 379 ; letter of, to General
Longstreet on ** battle at sunrise*'
order at Gettysburg, 379 (note) ; on
putting Heth's division in assaulting
columns, 398 ; takes order for change
of din»cti<)n to Longstni't in Wilder-
ness, 657 ; letter of, to Longstreet,
on movement of latter to tht; Wilder-
ness, 671 ; gives account of la.st scenes
and of General Lee, t>24.
Vincent, General, kilk>d at Little
Round Top (Gettysburg), 372.
Viiginia " Foot Cavalry," 146.
Virginia, ** U>o much," 332.
W.
Wadsworth, General James S., at
Gettysburg, 374 ; mortally wounded
at Wilderne.'V, 563.
Wagner, Lieutenant, mortally wounded
by remarkable cannon-shot, 255.
Walker, (kMieral J. G., at Harper's
Ferry, 231 ; at Shurpsburg, 242, 247.
Walker, Geneml AV H. T., at Chicka-
mauga, 441, 446.
Walton, Colonel. Longstreet's order to,
890.
War feeling in the South, 31.
War, Mexican. See Mexican war.
War, the general status of, on Con-
federate pide, 543; suggestions for
conduct of, by Longstreet, 644.
Warren, Major-General G. K.. finds
Little Round Top the citadel of the
field at Gettysburg. 371 : testimony
as to third day at Gettysburg, 3?S;
in command of Fifth Corp^ (1864..
552; makes opening attack in Wil-
derness, 558 ; at Five Forks. 697.
Washburn, Colonel, mortally wounded.
615.
Washington Artillery, the, at Manas-
sas, 37, 40, 41, 49 ; at Second Manas-
sas, 181, 186; at Sharpsburg. 233,
286, 243, 249, 250. 261. 267: at
Fredericksburg, 811 ; at Gettysburg.
890 ei iteq.
W^eed, General, killed on Little Round
Top (Gettysbui^), 372.
Weitzel, Genend, before Richmond,
576, 595, 608, 604.
West Point, distinguished men at, 16,
17.
Westward movement, first proposed to
Secretary of War Seddon by Long-
street, 327, 409 ; reverted toby Long-
street, 433, 434; transportation or-
dered for, 436; Longstreet reaches
Gkneral Bragg's head -quarters, 488
(see Chickamauga, battle of, etc.) ;
difference between time proposed for
and actual making of, 478, 479.
Weymouth, Captain, at Fredericlu-
burg, 808.
W*harton, General, 441.
W^heeler, General, makes cavalry raid
on Tennessee River, 468; Long-
street's orders to, in East Tennessee,
487, 488 ; in engagement on Little
Tennessee River, 490 ; returns to Gen-
eral Bragg, 600.
White House, McClellan establishes his
pennanent depot at, 82. See Seven
Pines.
Whiting, Major, at Manassas, 52 ; Gen-
eral, at Seven Pines, 105-107 ; do*
sires tr> leave Fair Oaks, 118; rein-
forces Jackson, 116 ; at Gaines's Mill,
127, 128 ; mortally wounded at Fon
Fisher, 582.
Whittle, Colonel, wounded at Gkt^i^
burg, 894.
698
INDEX.
Whitworth, Fort (Petersburg), 606-
608.
Wilcox, Generul, at Burnnide's Bridge
(Antietam), 259 ; at Gettysburg, 374;
at Wilderness, 656, 558, 560 ; at Fort
Steadman, 594 ; at Petersburg, 605,
606,608.
Wilderness, tbe, battle of, General
Grant witb Army of the Potomac,
552 ; strength of confronting armies,
552-554; Army of tbe Potomiic
crosses the Rapidan, 555 ; General
Grant bad no fixed plan beyond
avoiding Lee's defensive line, 555 ;
Wilderness described, 555, 556; march
of Longstruet's command, 556 ; re-
ceives a guide, 557 ; troops meet and
action can'^ot wait, 558 ; attack by
Gkneral Warren, 558; Confederates
fail to intrench at night, 560; Han-
cock's advance in the morning, '560;
Longstreet's troops form line under
fire, 560, and repuUe Hancock's ad-
vance, 561 ; the Ninth Corps ordered
in by General Grant, 561 ; Longstreet
organizes flanking movement against
Hancock's left, 562, 563: General
Jenkins mortally and Longstreet se-
verely wounded, 564; General Lee
on the field in command, 565 ; value
of a " level head," 566 ; the failure
to intrench by Third Corps, 565-
567 ; delay in advance after Long-
street was disabled, 567 ; controversy
as to Longstreet's march and guide,
568, 571.
Willard, General, killed at Gettys-
burg, 871.
Williamsburg, battle of, 72 ; advance
of Hooker, 73; Longstreet orders
Early to support the left, 74 ; Stuart's
charge, 75 ; Anderson's concentrated
movement on, and capture of guns,
75 ; Anderson driven back by Hook-
er's reinforcements, 76 ; Hancock
takes two redoubts, 77; attack by
D. H. Hill and Early, with great
slaughter of the latter 's troops be-
cause of blunder, 78 ; forces engaged,
79 ; casualties, 79 ; object of the bat-
tle, 79 ; Hancock called " the Su-
perb," 80.
Williamsburg, engagement near, 68-
70.
Williamsburg road, affair on (1864),
576-578.
Williamsport, Confederates at, on re-
treat from Gettysburg, 428, 429.
Wilmington, first move against, 580;
second expedition against, 582.
Winchester, engagement at, between
Ewell and Milroy, 339.
Winder, General, mortally wounded at
Slaughter Mountain. 157.
Winthrop, Captain, wounded at Knox-
ville in leading assault, 497.
Wofl'ord, General, Longstreet rides
with, to Little Round Top, 372; in
retreat from Gettysburg, 431 ; in en-
gagement on Little Tennessee River,
490 ; in assault on Fort Sanders, 502,
503, 505; at Daiidridge, 526; at
Wilderness, 662, 563.
Wood, General T. J.,atChickaroauga,
442, 446.
WoodhuU, Major Alfred A., gives
account of remarkable cannon-shot,
255.
Wool, General John E., orders to Col-
onel Miles, in command of Harper's
Ferry, 286.
Worth, General, at Corpus Christi, 20.
Wright, General, at Gettysburg, 371 ;
makes assault at Petersburg, 605.
Wrightsville, bridge at, bunied, 345.
Y.
Yellow Tavern, engagement at, be-
tween Sheridan and Stuart, 578.
York, authorities of, surrender to
General John B. Gordon, 345.
Yorktown, Confederates occupy, 67;
intrenchments abandoned, 68.
THE END.
:ait