USA > Texas > The Confederate capital and Hood's Texas brigade > Part 7
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To a man proud and sensitive as General Hood, this was a pleasing episode in his life. Had Colonel Archer acted other- wise, it would have been exceedingly disagreeable. Military men are tenacious with regard to the minor points of etiquette, and the least deviation from "the code" is looked upon suspi- ciously.
The troops crossed the Rappahannock at Falmouth, and took position near Fredricksburg: from thence marched to Milford Station. Here they took the cars for Ashland, a small village on the Fredricksburg road, above Richmond. They again took up the line of march for Yorktown, on the peninsula, where they arrived in good condition, considering the severity of the weather they had to endure, which General Hood pronounced the worst he had ever suffered on a march.
At Yorktown, they were assigned to the "reserve corps of the Army of the Potomac," and occupied the same ground as that of the rebel army during the Revolutionary struggle. A line of fortifications had been thrown up by General Magruder, some time before, and the men were daily detailed to act as sharp- shooters, as the Federal pickets came up within two hundred yards of the earth-works and picked off the men. The Texans kept a diligent lookout, and whenever a head popped up, a minie-ball was sure to go after him. Not much damage was done, as only a few were wounded, but they watched one an- other's movements with sleepless vigilance.
At this time, in addition to the three Texas regiments, the
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18th Georgia and Hampton Legion, also belonged to Hood's Brigade.
While camped at Yorktown, the horse arrived which had been purchased by the privates of the 4th Texas for General Hood, as a token of their appreciation of his worth as a soldier, and love for him as a man. Sergeant Bookman, of company G, Captain J. W. Hutcherson in command, at dress parade, presented him in the following words:
"Sir: In behalf of the non-commissioned officers and privates of the 4th Texas Regiment, I present you this war-horse. He was selected and purchased by us, for this purpose, because we, as freemen and Texans, claim the ability to discern, and the right to reward merit wherever it may be found. In you, sir, we recognize the soldier and the gentleman. In you, we have found a leader whom we are proud to follow, a commander whom it is a pleasure to obey, and this horse we tender as a testimonial of our admiration. Take him, and when the hour of battle comes, when mighty hosts meet in the struggle of death, we will, as did the troops of old, who rallied around the white plume of Henry of Navarre. look for your commanding form and this proud steed as our guide, and gathering there, we will conquer, or die. In a word, general, you stand by us, and we will stand by you."
General Hood advanced and sprang into the saddle, address- ing the brigade iu a few eloquent words expressive of his grati- tude, assuring them they should not look in vain for a rallying point when the struggle came.
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CHAPTER VIII.
Norfolk Navy Yard-Construction of Confederate Ironclads-Fight in Hampton Roads Between the Confederate Vesse: Virginia ani Federa! Cumberland-Meeting with the Monitor-Feeling in the South with Re- gard to the Naval Engagement-General Jackson in the Valley of Vir- ginia-Turner Ashby, the Great Cavalryinan-Evacuation of the Penin- sula-Texans Regularly Under Fire First at Eltham's Landing, while Act- ing as Rear Guard for Johnston's Army-"They Saved the Rear of the Army and the Whole of the Baggage.
The navy yard at Norfolk, Virginia, was one of the most im- portant in the United States. Here was constructed gun-boats and vessels of every description for naval service. The ineffi- ciency of the United States navy had been the jest of every na- tion whose flag floats upon the briny deep.
Upon the secession of Virginia, the commandant of the navy yard held a conference with General Talieferto. in command of the State forces, and agreed that none of the vessels should be removed, and not a shot fired except in self-defense.
Very soon, however, it became known that the two frigates, Germantown and Merrimac, had been scuttled, and at midnight the navy yard was found to be in flames, while the offcers, with two other vessels, had retired down the harbor, carrying with them a great portion of the munitions,
While there was several million dollars worth destroyed by the conflagration, yet, as there was so much secrecy employed in the destruction of the naval stores, there was quite a quantity of material which had been left uninjured.
Upon the organization of the Navy Department of the Confed- eracy, it was decided to experiment with the construction of ves- sels upon the plans which were presented and invented by those whose ingenuity had been put to the test by the necessity of do- ing something by way of providing gun-boats for the defense of James river.
It was supposed if the Confederacy owned a sufficient number of vessels, the blockade of this river, at least would be only a farce, and by baving one outlet to the world. could import from foreign countries arms, munitions of war and provisicas if it be- came necessary. Everyone, therefore, at the Confederate capital was looking to this department to institute measures it was hoped were within their grasp.
The reader, who has doubtless been reared in the luxury of
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AND HOOD'S TEXAS BRIGADE.
peace, and who shrugs his shoulders shudderingly at this re- cital of "times which tried men's souls." fails to understand why the people should become so much interested as to lay hold of any and everything which promised success.
With nations it is like with people. When prosperty beam- lovingly. and the blue skies bend smiling above, men and wom- en really do not understand their own capacity, but the sters hand of necessity forces out the energies until every nerve is strained to seize the slightest plan which whispers of hope.
The people felt the cause was just, that they were in the right that personally they had done nothing to bring about hostilities. and firmly believed if only true to themselves, the God of bat- tles would defend and provide an escape from the labyrinth of troubles which presented itself on every sice.
The navy yard again became the scene of busy life. The Merrimac was rescued from her watery grave, and it was found that the bottom of her hull, boilers, and the heavy and costly parts of her engine were not injured by the harsh treatment she had received. It was determined to construct of them a "case- mated vessel with inclined iron-plated sides and submerged ends."
This was a new departure in naval structure. "The resistance of iron plates to heavy ordnance, whether presented in vertica: planes or at low angles of inclination had been investigated ::: England before the Virginia (as the new vessel was christened was commenced, but no actual experiment had ever been made. No little anxiety was therefore felt as to what she would be able to accomplish.
The Virginia was completed, presenting the appearance of an ironclad floating battery of ten guns: the stars and bars foatt from her flagstaff. She was commanded by Captain Frankha Buchanan, "an ordnance officer in the old navy." Sse start -: upon her trial trip on the morning of March 8th.
She was joined by the rest of the Confederate squadron, Pa :- rick Henry, six guns; Jamestown. two guns: Beaufort. one gus: Raleigh, one gun; and the Teaser. one gun.
The Federal fleet in Hampton Roads consisted of the Cumher- land, twenty-four guns: Congress, fifty guns; St. Lawrence, ffy guns: steam frigates Minnesota and Roanoke, forty guns each.
We watch the Virginia, in imagination, as she slowing stev ;- out from the Norfolk harbor, with flying colors, the little fee: following in her wake. The day is calm and clear. the str balmy with the approach of spring-time. the sea gulls circle round: no sound is heard save the plash of the waves as ste continuously ploughs her way steadily forward, while the heart-
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THE CONFEDERATE CAPITAL
beats of the picked crew keep time with the motion of the ves- sel. Every nerve is strained to its utmost tension. Not a whis- per breaks the silence. The pale determined faces of the me !! are set with a firm purpose, as they watch with ceaseless vigi- lance, the eye of the brave old captain, who feels all the enthu- siasm of the prospect for a battle.
Before them the placid blue of the waters is spread out for miles to their view, and in the offing the Federal fleet-frig- ates and gun-boats -- are lazily rocking to and fro.
On passing Sewell's Point. Captain Buchanan made a laconic speech to his men and unfolded his purpose:
"My men, you are now about to face the enemy. You shall have no reason to complain of not fighting at close quarters. Re- member, you fight for your homes and your country. You see those ships? You must sink them! I need not ask you to do it. I know you will do it!"
Nearer and nearer the Virginia bore down upon the Congress with no call: "Ship ahoy," from the men. An officer coolly took his glass and inspected the approaching singularity which he called a "Secesh curiosity." What is she after?
A broadside from the Virginia was the answer. with not a Con- federate in sight. The Congress opened fire. but the Virginia was making for the Cumberland. The shots from the latter fe !! thick and fast upon the plated roof, when Captain Buchanan ran the prow of his vessel into the Cumberland. The shock left no impression upon the plated craft. A gaping break was made in the Cumberland. The sea rushed in, the vessel reeled, while her men still fired her guns, when suddenly she was engulfed and went down with all her crew.
The Virginia now turned her attention to the Congesss, and attempted to bear down upon her as upon the Cumberland, but the Congress slipped away and ran ashore. The Minnesota was aground a mile and a half away. The St. Lawrence and the Roanoke retired under the protection of Fortress Monroe.
The Virginia ran up as close to the Congress as the depth of water would admit, and being joined by the other little vess-is of the "mosquito fleet," subjected the Congress to a galling fire. while the batteries on shore shelled the Virginia. The com- mander of the Congress was killed, the white flag ran up. Two tugs were ordered to receive the surrender, the flag of the ship and the sword of the captain being delivered to Lieutenant Par- ker, of the tug Beaufort.
Permission was given the officers to remove their wounded, which they did and then made their escape. The Congress opened fire again, with the white flag floating, wounding several
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men, when the Virginia gave her a broadside of hot shot and in- cendiary shell, setting her on fire. The crew escaped in boats and swimming to shore, the Confederates generously failing to fire upon them when unable to defend themselves.
Night came on. The Virginia and smaller vessels anchored off Sewell's Point. Such a day's work for a trial trip! The Cum- berland sunk, the Congress burned, one steamer blown up, a schooner captured and one sunk.
Captain Buchanan and several men were wounded, and two killed. The Virginia had lost her flag-staff, smoke and steam- pipes were riddled. but otherwise she was not seriously damaged as she was ready next morning to renew the fight.
During the night the Monitor, an iron-clad turret steamer, constructed by Ericson, came in and anchored near the Minne- sota. The Monitor also was an experiment of the Federals and had never been tested.
The Virginia and her companions left their moorings and steamed to the scene of conflict. When about a third of a mile distant, the Monitor commenced firing. They poured shot and shell into oue another, without any perceptible effect upon either. The Virginia, seeing the Monitor was of greater speed. now thought to run into her like she had into the Cumberland. She eluded the pursuit and slipped away into shoal water where the Virginia could not approach her. Lieutenant Jones, who had assumed command after removal of Captain Buchanan to the hospital, waited for the Monitor to give battle again, by the usual nautical invitations. These not being responded to, she with- drew to the navy yard, steaming into port with the cheers of victory.
This was one of the most brilliant naval engagement, of which there is any record. The little fleet had encountered some of the most formidable vessels in the Federal navy, -sinking one, wit's her crew of three hundred and sixty men; destroying by fire oue. the crack frigate. and crippling and rendering helples, others, - all with a loss, in the two days, of two men killed and nine- teen wounded.
The second day's engagement was principally between the two iron-clads. experimental ships, which resulted in the appropria- tion by Congress at Washington of "nearly fifteen millions of dollars for the construction of iron-clad vessels."
Excitement ran high in Richmond when the news spread of the exploits of the Virginia, and a feeling of intense satisfaction and pride filled the hearts of men, women and children, and was the one topic of conversation, -so exultant are a people when success perches upon their banner.
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At the North the people were very much astounded at the turn affairs had taken, and all Europe looked with interest upon a new era in the history of naval architecture. Each nation se: itself to profit by the lesson taught the world by the Virginia.
The Confederates became enthusiastic on the subject of ircu- clad vessels, and were eager;for the Navy Department to use every means in following up this remarkable victory.
Popular feeling laid hold of this success as some special achievement of the wonderful bravery of a people whose ener- gies had risen sphinx-like to defy the combined opposition of the whole world. Confidence was established, so much as to destroy the sense of danger, and lull the Confederates by the sweet strains of a permanent victory, to forget for a time the fact that the nation with which they were warring had unlimited powers of recuperation, while theirs could only reach the extreme point of endurance and then succumb to an inevitable fate.
While the troops from the vicinity of the Potomac were being transferred to the Peninsula, the authorities resolved to allow General T. J. Jackson to remain in the valley of Virginia with his division of the army.
Near the town of Winchester was fought, March 22nd, the battle of Kernstown. The Confederate force was only six thou- sand, besides a battery of artillery, and Colonel Ashby's cavalry.
General Banks was in command of the Federals, about sixteen thousand strong. This leader thought it was only Colonel Ash- by's cavalry in front of him; and, believing General Jackson was far away, left himself for Washington City. General Shields was left in command, the fight being brought on by Colonel Ashby, who had been tormenting the enemy with his cavalry in the valley, whenever the opportunity offered.
The engagement lasted from 4 o'clock in the afternoon until dark. The rebels fought desperately until night closed in, when the firing all ceased. General Jackson fell back during the night. leaving the Federals in possession of the field, and about three hundred prisoners. Our loss was about one hundred killed and about double that number wounded. The Confederates carried off their wounded up the valley, Colonel Ashby covering the retreat. The dead were buried by order of the mayor of Win- chester.
The Federals did not pursue General Jackson; on the contrary. they withdrew their forces first advanced, but there he remained in the valley, with sleepless vigilance, waiting and watching the development of the plans of the enemy.
Colonel Turner Ashby was the idol of the people of the valley of Virginia, for by his intrepid bravery and bold, defiant manne:
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AND HOOD'S TEXAS BRIGADE.
of conducting his mode of warfare, he had fought back the raid- ing parties that had threatened devastation to the lovely homes of the people, creating a feeling of security when they knew he was operating amongst them. As his name will be mentioned again, it seems but right a short sketch of his record should be given:
"Turner Ashby was a thorough Virginian, and descended from Revolutionary stock. He was an ardent lover of the old Union. He was brought up in that conservative and respectable school of politics which hesitated long to sacrifice a Union which had been, in part, constructed by the most illustrious sons of Vir- ginia, which had conferred many honors upon her, and which was the subject of many hopes for the future. But when it be- came evident that the life of the Union was gone, and the sword was drawn for constitutional liberty, the spirit of Virginia was again illustrated by Ashby, who showed a devotion in the field even more admirable than the virtues of political principles.
"He was a man of small stature. dark skin, heavy black beard and piercing, restless black eyes; grave and dignified in manner, yet gentle as a woman, but filled with the same determination and courage as distinguished the cavaliers during the days of chivalry. He was a fit representative of the high-toned gentle- men of the South.
"During the John Brown raid, his company of cavalry. then named 'Mountain Rangers,' did much towards effectually silenc- ing that reuowned effort at freeing the Southern slaves; and it is said that even then he saw, as did many others, the crisis of impending events approaching.
"As soon as his State dissolved its union with the United States government, he quietly went to work preparing for action.
"About this time, Colonel Angus McDonald, Sr., was commis- sioned to raise a legion of mounted men for border service, the lieutenant-colonelcy of which was at once tendered Colonel Ashby. He and his command entered the legion. His brother, Richard Ashby, arrived from Texas, who joined the company as an independent volunteer.
"He was ordered to operate in Hampshire county, which had been invaded by bands of marauders. Leading a detachment of eleven men, and his brother six, they started for a station on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad to make observations. His brother's little band was ambuscaded and attacked by eighteen men, zou- aves of Indiana. His horse fell into a cattle-stop of the railroad. He was overtaken, beaten, wounded, and left for dead."
Turner Ashby started to rescue him, but his force was fired upon. "They charged and, after a sharp engagement, dispersed their numbers."
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His brother was found several hours afterwards, but his wounds were mortal. He was buried at Romney, July 4th, 13fr. The scene at the grave of his brother is thus described by an eye- witness:
"He stood over the grave, took his brother's sword, broke it and threw it into the opening; clasped his hands, and looked up- ward, as if in resignation, and then pressing his lips -- as if in the bitterness of grief -- while a tear rolled down his cheek, he turned withont a word, mounted his horse and rode away. Ashby was now a devoted man. Thenceforth his name was a terror to the enemy."
He knew little of the rules of military tactics, and still less of military discipline. He inspired his men, whom he treated as companions, by exhibiting his own deeds of dauntless daring. and led them on to victory by waving his sword over his bead. exclaiming, in a clear, decided voice, in which there was no wavering, "Follow me!"' This great, personal magnetism, which attracted to him people of different stations in life, was evidentiy the key to his great success. He was dashing in character. com- ing and going like a dream, and ever turning up in unexpected places; therefore an enemy upon whose movements speculation lost itself in wonder, and vigilance was unprepared to mee :. Amid a shower of bullets he rode his white horse as unmoved as if he were in a lady's drawing room; and to flattery and aimira- tion of all who came to know him, he turned a deaf ear. steadily manifesting that he truly was devoted to the Southern cause- nothing being able to withdraw his attention from the grand pur- pose of doing his whole duty upon every occasion.
This was the man who had quietly made his home near Mark- ham, a station on the Manassas Gap railroad, up to the time hos. tilities commenced, yet who won for himself, in a short time. one of the most brilliant records of any other Southern soldier -- the man who so greatly assisted General Jackson in his valley campaign -- whose name will remain upon the page of history side by side with that illustrious hero for whom he braved so many dangers.
The evacuation of the Peninsula became imperatively neces- sary, from the fact that the troops "were confronted by a superio: force, and flanked right and left by navigable streams, cocupied solely by the enemy's fleet. The Texas Brigade again acted as rear guard from Yorktown, reaching Williamsburg, the off his- torical city of Virginia, renowned, during colonial times. for its wealth, fashion, beauty and high-toned chivalry.
About two miles from the town the advance guard of the enemy appeared. The next morning a field onset was made.
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The Federals were repulsed with heavy loss, amounting to about five thousand killed, wounded and missing: the Confederate .. abont twenty-five hundred.
It became evident, next day, that the Federals were only try- ing to retard the progress of the evacuation, and were sending troops by gun-boats and transports up York River, at E'tham's Landing, opposite the village of West Point, the terminus of the York River railroad, which runs from that place to Richmond. Here, too, the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers unite, forming the Vork River. The design was to cut the Confederate army in twain right here, and intercept them while McClellan a ivanced upon Richmond.
General Franklin landed two regiments from his gun-boats at Eltham's Landing, near the village of Barhamsville. New Kent county, May 7th. The Texas Brigade was marching as rear guard, and came across the Federal pickets, who had been thrown out. Two shots were fired at General Hood, who was riding at the head of the Fourth Texas. This was returned by a member of the Fourth. General Hood immediately ordered his men to "move up," which they did at double quick and the line of battle was formed on the brow of the hill. Beyond this hill, which had a precipitous descent, was an open field. six or seven hundred yards in width. Beyond this, were five or six companies of the enemy, who fell back into the timber. our med firing some random shots.
General Hood ordered Company B. Fourth Texas, to act as skirmishers. They advanced across the open field, entered the timber, and commenced a running fight. Another ani another company was ordered to the support of the skirmishers. until six were now engaged. The Federals made a stand behind an old mill dam, and a spirited engagement ensued. The firing became general, and the enemy, many of their guns missing fire threw them down and fled. While pursuing them the secon i platoon of Company B came upon a large force protected by i heavy palisade. Gen. Hood appeared and ordered Lieut. Waist. in command, to charge the works and he would send support. Just as the command, "charge," was given the first platoon o: Company B appeared upon the left of the palisade when the Federals fled in confusion. Other companies joined in the attack, which so confused them they ran into the Fich Texas. where it was lying down in line of battle, which greeted them with such a volley as to leave not one standing. While thess events were transpiring the First. Fifth and remainier of the Fourth Texas had entered the timber, leaving the Eighteenth Georgia to support the infantry in the rear. A regiment Li
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Federals, the First California, appeared to the left and rear of the skirmishers. evidently intending to cut them off. Here was displayed the gallantry of the First Texas, in command of Colo- nel A. T. Rainey. Getting his regiment into position. they received the fire like Napoleon's Old Guard, on an open road. the Federals in the brush. The slaughter was so great Ccionel Rainey ordered his men to fall back into the woods a few paces. halt and fall to their knees. [Colonel Rainey's verbal statement to the writer.] The standard bearer was directed to unfurl the "Lone Star flag and give them h-1." [Colonel Rainey was not choice in his language just here.] "Aim low and shoot them through the body." The Federals, deceived by the strategem. came on with a yell within thirty steps of their hiding place. The Texans were ordered to rise from their knees, which was a spontaneous action, unflinchingly received their fire, pouring volley after volley into their ranks. After fighting half an bour, the Federals making no advance, the order rang out: "Charge, boys. charge!" They gave a yell and sprang forward to the charge. The Federals, comprehending the situation, turned and fled to their gun-boats, some five or six hundred yards' distant, with the Texans in hot pursuit.
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