USA > Virginia > Henrico County > Henrico County > A history of the Laurel brigade, originally the Ashby cavalry of the Army of northern Virginia and Chew's battery > Part 13
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About a half mile from Fauquier Springs, in the pines, Colonel Funsten suddenly came face to face with another Federal regiment of Gregg's division. The Twelfth, being
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ordered to charge, quickly responded with pistol and sabre upon the opposing column. Though somewhat surprised, the Federals made a short and stubborn fight, and then retreated towards the river.
In the meantime Colonel Ball with the Eleventh, having failed in his assault on foot upon the Federal position at Jef- fersonton, now, with his regiment mounted, made a vigorous charge upon his right flank, and succeeded in driving back the cavalry supporting the enemy's sharpshooters. The lat- ter were cut off, but were in part saved from capture by fresh troops coming to their assistance. Ball fell back for a moment, but reforming again, with repeated charges forced the Federals down the road to the point where Funsten was. This Federal force, now uniting with the one in Funsten's front, pressed bravely forward. The Twelfth again charged, aided by a portion of the Eleventh, and a bloody and doubt- ful contest now raged with disorder on both sides, through the piney thickets and heavy timber, and over occasional spots of cleared but rocky ground.
The shouts of officers and men calling their commands to "stand fast" and "come on," and the cries and oaths of the combatants at close quarters, mingled with the rattle of small arms, intensified this war scene.
Here Lieutenant Poague of the Eleventh, who in many a previous battle had shown extraordinary gallantry, after performing prodigies of valor, fell mortally wounded.
The Federals were gradually forced back. Though often rallying and advancing with stubborn courage, at last broken and in full retreat they recrossed the river, leaving many of their dead and wounded and 200 prisoners in the hands of the Confederates.
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The Federal version of this affair is given in part by Gen- eral Gregg in his official report. He says: "They charged impetuously in front and on both flanks with infantry and cavalry, and we were driven into the woods, where for half an hour the fight raged furiously. At this juncture informa- tion was brought that the enemy had possession of the road in my rear, and that we were surrounded. This information having found its way to the men, created some confusion, and it became impossible to reform the command, and I was compelled to retire in some confusion, fighting, however, every foot of the ground. It was here that Major Young, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and Lieutenants Cutler and Martin of my staff were wounded."
Sending now the Seventh and Eleventh Virginia to cross the river higher up, Stuart made arrangements to force a passage at Warrenton Springs.
The Rappahannock at this point is narrow and deep, and across it was a bridge hardly more than a gangway of planks. On the east or north bank, the land rises gradually for a half mile into a ridge, which at that time was heavily wooded. Between the crest of this ridge and the Springs Hotel, the ground was open, except, that about half way from the river to the top of the hill, was a body of timber running west of and reaching to the Warrenton Road. On the ridge General Gregg, the officer in command of the Federal force, had planted a battery, placing: one gun near the river. The northern bank of the river above and below the bridge, was lined with sharpshooters, most of them in rifle-pits.
Under Stuart's personal supervision the Twelfth Regi- ment was ordered to charge the bridge and dislodge the enemy on the other side. Company B of the Twelfth Vir-
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ginia, under Capt. George Baylor, was to make the dash, the rest of the regiment to follow in supporting distance. Behind the Twelfth and on a wooded eminence, eight guns of General Long's artillery were prepared to support the assault, though this fact was unknown to most of the cav- alrymen.
At the command to charge Baylor's company, compactly formed, with sabres drawn, moved promptly forward from cover of a wooded knoll, first at a trot and soon quickening into a gallop, Colonel Massie closely following with the rest of the regiment. Immediately the guns from the Federal battery and those of Long opened with a deafening roar. So loud for a few minutes were the discharges of artillery, that the shells bursting over the charging squadrons were hardly noticed, and the smoking carbines of the sharp- shooters, who lined the opposite bank of the river and delivered steady volleys, were almost inaudible.
Straight for the bridge rode the men of the Twelfth. Upon reaching it at full speed, the front ranks of the advance company being more than midway upon it, it was. discovered that the plank flooring at the farther end had been taken up, which made it impassable. Notwithstanding this check, under the steady fire of the enemy, they with- drew quickly from the bridge, and dashing into the river through a disused ford below, were so quickly among and over the rifle-pits that the astonished Federals were driven out and captured in large numbers.
An account of this charge led by Captain Baylor is given in his "Bull Run to Bull Run," as follows :
"Pressing on to the river at Warrenton Springs we found the enemy had posted his artillery on an eminence beyond the
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stream, and placed dismounted men in rifle-pits near the banks of the river to contest our advance. Dismounted men were thrown forward on our side supported by a small force of our infantry.
"The horse artillery not having come up, General Long of Ewell's corps opened fire with eight guns on the enemy's bat- teries and supporting squadrons. At this juncture General Stuart ordered me to charge with Company B across the river, and drive the enemy from their rifle-pits.
"I had been for some time a spectator of the futile efforts of the infantry and dismounted men to effect a crossing, and to accomplish this with a cavalry dash struck me as impracticable. But a soldier's duty is to obey, do or die, assured that a bold front is half the battle. * Generals Robert E. Lee, Ewell, Stuart, and others were in full view watching the move- ment. It was the occasion of our lives.
"The order was given, and down the road the company dashed amid a shower of bullets, and reached the bridge over the river to find the flooring torn up. Here we were forced to halt, turn about, and strike for a ford below. This movement was effected without faltering, and soon the river was crossed, and the rifle-pits, with a large number of prisoners in our pos- session. The rest of the regiment now coming to our aid, the prisoners were secured and turned over to the infantry."
General Stuart, in his official report, speaking of the inci- dent, says :
"This little band of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry was worthy of special praise as it was made under circumstances of great embarrassment. Charging first up to the pier of the bridge, it was discovered that it had been taken up, thus expos- ing them to a dangerous fire from the enemy on the opposite side. Nothing daunted in purpose, however, they turned about and took the road to the ford below, which they plunged into in the face of the enemy's fire without halt or hesitation."
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Maj. H. B. McClellan, assistant adjutant-general of the cavalry corps and Stuart's chief of staff, who was present, thus describes the charge in his "Campaigns of Stuart and His Cavalry," page 386 :
"Now the Twelfth Virginia was ordered to charge the bridge. Lieutenant Baylor's company still had the front. Darkness was settling down upon the field. Along a narrow causeway Baylor lead his men in a column of fours.
"In the face of a sharp fire from the rifle-pits, he reached the very abutment of the bridge before he discovered that the planks had been removed and that a crossing was impossible. He must retrace his steps and try the ford. There was no hesitation nor confusion. 'By fours right about wheel. For- ward!' And in a moment he had descended from the causeway and his column was plunging through the narrow ford, where hardly four could ride abreast. It was a gallant sight, and called for wild huzzas from the Confederate infantry, many of whom were spectators of the scene. Up the hill went Baylor, and in a few moments the rifle-pits were cleared of the enemy and the approaches of the bridge were under our control."
At the close of the Bristoe campaign, as it was called, this company was the recipient of a unique compliment from the commander-in-chief of the Army of Northern Virginia. It was an order from General Lee through Gen- eral Stuart, that a furlough of ten days be given to Com- pany B of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry as a recognition of their gallant conduct.
Gregg now slowly withdrew, followed by Funsten, whose command bivouacked that night near Warrenton.
"In the operations of this day the Twelfth Regiment cap- tured between 275 and 300 prisoners, and the Eleventh 150, with their horses, arms and equipments. The casualties in
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Maj. H. B. McClellan, assistant adjutant-general of the cavalry corps and Stuart's chief of staff, who was present, thus describes the charge in his "Campaigns of Stuart and His Cavalry," page 386:
"Now the Twelfth Virginia was ordered to charge the bridge. Lieutenant Baylor's company still had the front. Darkness was settling down upon the field. Along a narrow causeway Baylor lead his men in a column of fours.
"In the face of a sharp fire from the rifle-pits, he reached the very abutment of the bridge before he discovered that the planks had been removed and that a crossing was impossible. He must retrace his steps and try the ford. There was no hesitation nor confusion. 'By fours right about wheel. For- ward!' And in a moment he had descended from the causeway and his column was plunging through the narrow ford, where hardly four could ride abreast. It was a gallant sight, and called for wild huzzas from the Confederate infantry, many of whom were spectators of the scene. Up the hill went Baylor, and in a few moments the rifle-pits were cleared of the enemy and the approaches of the bridge were under our control."
At the close of the Bristoe campaign, as it was called, this company was the recipient of a unique compliment from the commander-in-chief of the Army of Northern Virginia. It was an order from General Lee through Gen- eral Stuart, that a furlough of ten days be given to Com- pany B of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry as a recognition of their gallant conduct.
Gregg now slowly withdrew, followed by Funsten, whose command bivouacked that night near Warrenton.
"In the operations of this day the Twelfth Regiment cap- tured between 275 and 300 prisoners, and the Eleventh 150, with their horses, arms and equipments. The casualties in
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these regiments amounted to three officers killed and wounded."7 Of the number captured by the Twelfth, forty- seven were taken on the road while moving from the Springs to Warrenton. They had been on picket at points above the Springs, and while falling back came up in the rear of the Twelfth, which they mistook in the darkness for a Federal regiment, and so fell into the hands of the Con- federates.
On the 13th of October Stuart made a reconnoissance towards Catlett's Station, going by a road that led through the village of Auburn to this point. : Sending General Lomax in advance with his brigade, he followed with Fun- sten's and Gordon's brigades, taking also seven pieces of artillery and some ordnance wagons.
General Lomax, upon reaching Auburn, learned that a large body of Federal infantry were at Warrenton Junc- tion, distant from Auburn about four miles. He at once sent word to Stuart, and halted his command.
About four o'clock P. M. Stuart arrived at Auburn. Leaving Lomax there to guard his rear, he pushed on with Funsten's and Gordon's brigades towards Catlett's Station. When within two miles of the station he saw large bodies of Federals marching along the railroad eastward. Halt- ing under cover of a piece of woods, he was quietly watch- ing the movement when a messenger rode up post-haste and informed him that the Federals were in possession of Auburn, having driven off Lomax. In point of fact a whole corps of the enemy was falling back on a road that led eastward through Auburn, and Stuart became aware that he was hemmed in between the moving columns of
7Funsten's Report.
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Meade's vast army. Hastily retracing his steps he ap- proached Auburn, seeking some way of escape. Finding the road blocked by the Federals and apprehensive of attack in case he should be discovered, Stuart at once moved hi, command out of the road he was traveling off to the right into a narrow valley between two wooded hills, and halted in close column waiting for developments. Soon night set in and the hungry and tired troops, now inlly aware of the situation, with eyes and ears busy, waited and wondered what fate had in store for them.
The enemy was marching within speaking distance of them, and as they plodded along, stopping now and then to build fires that made their column distinctly visible, they seemed a flowing stream of armed men.
Stuart's reason for staying so close to the highway was that he hoped to find an opportunity for breaking through. But hours passed and the Federal stream was continuons. All night long the procession of artillery and infantry moved on.
While thus watching it was of supreme importance to conceal his presence from the enemy. Every kind of noise was forbidden. The men spoke in whispers. Sabres were not allowed to rattle against canteens, and guards were ata- tioned to enforce profound silence. Even the horses seemed to realize the necessity of being quiet, though now and then a hungry mule of the ordnance teams would protest with rising voice against the unpleasantness of the situation, which sound, if heard by the Federals, was no doubt taken to come from their own column.
The long and dreary night was nearly spent, but to crush out every hope, just at the first grey streak of dawn ap-
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peared, right close in front a body of Federal infantry halted, stacked arms, and went to making coffee. There was no alternative now but to prepare for battle.
During the night Stuart had sent six messengers to inform General Lee of his position. All six succeeded in the attempt by one o'clock at night. These messengers were six privates, who volunteered for this dangerous serv- ice, which required that they should go in and through the Federal column. Their names are Robert W. Good, First Virginia Cavalry; Ashton, Chester, and Sharley of Mc- Gregor's Horse Artillery ; and Privates Crocket Eddins and Richard Baylor of Company B, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry. Had they been caught in the attempt they would probably have been shot as spies.
Believing that Lee was aware of his perilous situation, as day approached Stuart listened anxiously for the sound of firearms in the direction of Warrenton; making, how- ever, arrangements if no aid came, by a bold stroke to take care of himself.
The stars were already fading from the sky when, hear- ing the welcome sound of musketry on the other side of the Federal column, Stuart opened fire on the enemy. His seven guns, under Major Beckham, had been posted so as to be barely concealed by the rising crest of an intervening hill. At the word of command they were quickly advanced, and with simultaneous roar poured canister at close range into the Federal masses in the road. The Federals, amazed at the sudden and close assault, were at first panic-stricken and ran helter-skelter in every direction, but rallied by the officers, soon fell into line. With bold front they now advanced and assaulted the position of Stuart's guns, tak-
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ing advantage of the slope of the hill to get close to the guns before they charged.
Gordon's brigade remained in the saddle, while Funsten's command was dismounted and posted to support the artil- lery.
Confident in numbers the Federals pressed forward, but soon recoiled before the cannon fire and the volley of Fun- sten's dismounted men.
Renewing the attempt with increased numbers they now approached on the left flank, but a gallant charge made by the First North Carolina Cavalry, under Colonel Ruffin, drove them back in confusion. The brave Colonel Ruffin was killed in this charge.
In the meantime the firing on the other side of the road had ceased, and taking advantage of the check afforded by the bold dash of Ruffin's regiment, Stuart pushed forward and crossed the road with all his command without losing "a wheel." He now retired towards Warrenton, Funsten's brigade bringing up the rear, and striking the route the enemy had lately marched captured many stragglers.
On the morning of the 15th Stuart pursued the retreating Federal cavalry, which fell back upon infantry supports.
At Bull Run a stand was made, but, dismounting his men, Stuart attacked en masse with great spirit and soon drove the foe across the Bull Run. Hearing that a wagon train had not yet crossed, Stuart attempted to capture it. Finding the road upon which it moved . was covered by a heavy force of Federal cavalry, he ordered Gordon to at- tack it in front while he detoured with Funsten's brigade towards their right flank
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After a very circuitous route he reached at dark a point only a short distance from the ground where Gordon had been engaging the enemy. The road passed through a dense thicket of pines and was barricaded.
The Twelfth Regiment being in front, Colonel Massie commanding, was ordered to charge the barricades. This was gallantly done, and the enemy was driven from his strong position to precipitate flight.
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CHAPTER VII October, 1863
. A new commander-Sketch of Thomas L. Rosser-The Buckland races -Camp at Flint Hill-At Hamilton's Crossing-Night surprise of a Federal camp-Dash upon Meade's wagon trains in the Wilder- ness-Back to Hamilton's Crossing-Hard fight at Parker's Store -Watching Meade-Raid around Meade's army-Night attack upon Sangster's Station and death of Captain Cartmell-Brigade heads for the Valley and crosses the Shenandoah-Joins the force of Early at Mt. Jackson-A Merry Christmas in the Valley.
While halted at Manassas the brigade received a new commander, General Thomas L. Rosser. To the greater part of the command he was then comparatively a stranger, although known to many through report as a daring and successful soldier.
The campaign was now nearly closed, and little was done before the men returned to their old camp at Flint Hill, but that little disclosed a mettle and dash in the new chief that reminded the men of the days of Ashby.
While not possessing those peculiar qualities of Ashby, which both attracted the admiration of his men and won and cemented their individual affections, Rosser in personal appearance, by education and experience, and by a repu- tation for courage and dash already acquired, appealed to their soldierly instincts. Tall, broad-shouldered and mus- cular, with black hair and moustache, dark brown eyes, strong jaw, and a countenance denoting self-confidence, a good horseman and always superbly mounted, the men of
THOMAS L. ROSSER
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the brigade recognized in their new commander the typi- cal soldier, and transferred their loyalty to him.
When the Southern States seceded and established the Confederacy, Rosser was a cadet at the West Point Uni- ted States Military Academy from Louisiana, being in April, 1861, a member of the graduating class. The de- mand for officers to command the United States troops caused the Government to issue an order declaring his class graduated by April the 13th, and the members of that class were ordered to Washington.
Rosser at once determined to resign, and on the 13th of April he and several other Southern men of his class, who afterwards became distinguished soldiers in the Confeder- ate Army, resigned, left West Point and started southward.
Meeting with various interruptions, which caused them to take unusual and circuitous routes to the new "Land of Dixie," they at length reached Montgomery, Alabama, and offered their services to the Confederate Government. Their services were immediately accepted and they received commissions. Rosser was made a first lieutenant of Artil- lery and ordered to Wilmington, North Carolina, on re- cruiting service. Eager to be in the field he requested per- mission to attach himself to the staff of General Holmes, and shortly afterwards reached Richmond, where in time he was elected captain in the Washington Artillery. He participated in the first battle of Manassas, but only reach- ing the field towards the close of the fight, he joined in pur- suit of the enemy.
After that battle, he was assigned to Stuart's command, and first served on outpost duty at Munson's Hill. Going to the assistance of General Robertson at Mechanicsville,
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he participated in that action with unusual boldness and vigor, and being much exposed in pressing the enemy, he was badly wounded. President Davis was present, wit- nessed the fight, and promoted Rosser, on the field, for gallantry, and he received the commission of lieutenant- colonel of artillery on June 10th, 1862.
On the 20th of the same month he was made colonel of cavalry and took command of the Fifth Virginia Cavalry.
The Fifth Virginia was but poorly armed when Rosser took command, but soon supplied itself at the expense of the enemy in the fight at Catlett's Station, in which it took conspicuous part.
Here also an incident occurred that came near costing Rosser his life. Some Federal infantry had been captured, and while the fight was going on Rosser was asked, "What shall we do with the prisoners?" To which he carelessly and, not meaning it, replied, "Kill them." One of the prison- ers heard the reply and, taking him in earnest, told the others. Immediately they revolted and began to fight for their lives with stones, fence rails, and whatever came to hand. One prisoner, who still had his bayonet in the scabbard, drawing it threw himself furiously upon Rosser, wounding him in the arm and stabbing his horse. It was not until the mistake was explained and the prisoners assured of protection that they were pacified.
It was here (Catlett's Station) that Major Von Bourke, a Prussian soldier, aide-de-camp to General Stuart, climbed a telegraph pole and cut the wire with his sabre. The fact of his gigantic size and bulk is what is remarkable about the incident.
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During the following week, including the Second Manas- sas campaign, Rosser was assigned to duties that required both unusual skill and audacity.
On the 30th Rosser was ordered, in conjunction with a part of the Ashby brigade and some artillery, to annoy the flank of the Federal infantry.
"This was done with splendid effect, Colonel Rosser, a fine artillerist as well as a bold cavalier, having immediate direction of the batteries."1 In this action Rosser com- manded all the artillery in Stuart's command, comprising Eshleman's and Richardson's batteries of the Washington artillery, and Stribbling's and Rogers' batteries. With these he directed an enfilading fire upon the Federal flank, and as they fell back he pressed his advantage with so much eagerness that his batteries were at one time half a mile in advance of the Confederate line. The enemy, seeing their exposed position, attempted by a desperate charge to cap- ture Rogers' battery, which was the most advanced. The battery, however, defended itself by reserving fire until the enemy was within fifty paces, and then discharging deadly volleys of canister into his ranks.
From Manassas, Rosser with his regiment accompanied Fitz Lee into Maryland, and participated in the Maryland campaign of 1862.
Here, as well as elsewhere, Rosser with the Fifth Virginia, and generally accompanied by a section of guns, had serious work to do.
On the 13th of September the Federals pressed eagerly forward into Boonesboro Gap, in the South Mountain, for the purpose of raising the siege of Harper's Ferry.
1Stuart's Report.
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Says Gen. D. H. Hill, who was defending the Gap : "There were two mountain roads practicable for artillery on the right of the main turnpike. The defense of the farther one had cost Garland his life. It was now entrusted to Col. Thomas L. Rosser of the cavalry, who had reported to me and who had artillery and dismounted sharpshooters. Rosser, Anderson and Ripley held their ground, and the Yankees failed to gain their rear."
After Lee withdrew from Pennsylvania and the Army of Northern Virginia again resumed its positions along the Rappahannock, Stuart engaged in his Dumfries raid,- December the 28th. In this Rosser took a leading part.
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