USA > Virginia > Frederick County > Frederick County > Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia. > Part 64
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the limpid Blue Ridge streams, the old war-like spirit was manifest. The feeling that MacGregor was on his native heath. Every soul was in- spired; and as the light-hearted Stuart whirled through the skirmish lines of the advancing col- umns, he was able to apprise Jackson of the position of each advancing column. Their old antagonist Banks was in the lead, and gave evi- dence of his desire to redeem his flagrant blun- ders. We must remember that forced marches were required, under the beating rays of an Au- gust sun. The 7th of August brought only a portion of the army to Orange C. H., 20 miles distant from Culpeper, which all were struggling to reach. Ewell and A. P. Hill were far in the rear, contending with mixed orders. Jackson in his reports, complained of Hill's tardiness in this march, and of his lack of interest; but we must throw no blame upon the fair name of that gallant and magnificent chieftain, which can never be tarnished. Jackson doubtless failed to en- lighten Hill of his bold designs upon the enemy. Strange but true. This was his weakness. He derived comfort from the hazy mystery of his strategic movements, and was selfish enough to withhold them from such grand leaders as Ewell and Hill. The situation on the 8th must have revealed this weakness to Jackson; for if his main supports had understood his scheme, they doubtless would have been enthused; their col- umns would have lined up, and the smoke of their camp-fires mingled on the same plain that night, no such insinuations would have found place in his celebrated official reports. But Jack- son was not the general to be disconcerted and thrown from his base,-although his orders had gone astray and the much-needed columns were not up. He doggedly set to work to strike some column of the enemy before concentration on Culpeper could be effected. The early dawn of August 9th saw Hill on the road, and the whole army gaining their lost advantages. Army trains were on other roads guarded by Gregg and Law- ton's brigades. Ewell led the march; and along the West side of Slaughter Mountain discovered a large force of cavalry in line of battle on Cedar Run, awaiting his approach. The old war- horse, waiting a moment to unlimber his guns, opened fire; the Federal batteries replied, and regiments supported. It soon became apparent that a general engagement was imminent at a point 7 miles from Culpeper, the place Jackson had planned to reach on the 8th. Col. Hender- son says Banks reached Culpeper on the 8th, and sent his advance brigade to Cedar Run, and he followed on the 9th. Banks in his report does not mention Culpeper; but says he inter- cepted Jackson at Cedar Run on the 9th, and im- mediately engaged his advance columns and urged
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Pope to send him reinforcements. Be that as it may, Jackson had divined the movement, and met Banks' column in fighting mood. Survivors of the Stonewall Brigade will remember when Early moved to the front, Ewell to the right- all heading for Slaughter Mountain; Winder swung to the left, and the battle was thus opened. Hill was held in reserve. We lack space for a description of this battle. The Federals fought bravely and held their position tenaciously-both sides losing heavily. Genl. Winder had fallen, mortally wounded. The fighting was intense after 5 o'clock. The old Stonewall Brigade suffered severely-Garnett's Brigade went down in the carnage, losing nearly all of the regimental leaders under the withering fire. Banks' old soldiers had learned to fight. Early's Brigade was driven asunder. Old men describe this con- flict as the hardest in their experience. The Stonewall Brigade rallied and sailed into the left; then Jackson came to the front with Hill and Ewell; other brigades which had suffered se- verely and were partly routed, took new cour- age, and 'ere 7 o'clock came, Slaughter Mountain was in the grasp of the Confederates, and once more Banks was routed. But 3,000 men lay dead and wounded on the field. All this carnage oc- curred within two hours. Jackson immediately rallied his scattered battalions, to organize them for other serious work. Pope's other corps were near at hand to be reckoned with; the fighting Siegel and wary McDowell were in his front; and we find Jackson resuming his march to Cul- peper. Within two miles, he was confronted by a large force. Guns were unlimbered, and a heavy fire poured into the large camp of Federals who retreated in disorder. Prisoners were cap- tured, who proved to be those who had boasted in the Valley that "me fights mit Siegel." Jack- son ordered a halt for the night; and the next morning fell back to Cedar Run, having learned that Pope was in his front with his full force. No fighting on the 10th. On the 11th, both armies under flags of truce gathered up their dead. On the night of the 11th, Jackson once more changed his base and fell back on Gordons- ville.
In his official reports, Vol. XII, part III, p. 185, he explains this retreat, which caused anxiety at Washington; for we have Genl. Halleck's letter to Pope (O. R., Vol. XII) with this lan- guage : "Beware of a snare; feigned retreats are Secesh tactics." Also same record, containing letter from Mcclellan to the Commander-in- Chief, using this language: "I don't like Jack- son's movements; he will suddenly appear when least expected." We can gather from such lan- guage enough to show that the Federals were becoming better acquainted with the great tac-
tician, and preparing for his strategems; and re- cent battles had disclosed to the Confederates an improved morale in the Federal Army. And now both sides were lining up for stupendous efforts. The North seemed fairly beaten at times, judg- ing from the tone of the press; but at no time did their President relax. He had cast the die; and had faith in the results. Though the Sum- mer of 1862 was overwhelming in its demand for brainy work and tireless faith, Lincoln exhibited more determination and unalterable purpose with each succeeding episode, whether defeat or vic- tory. Certainly he occupied a position before the world never approached, much less attained, by any of his predecessors. On the night of the 15th, Jackson moved three divisions from Gor- donsville to a suitable point near Clark Moun- tain, and there waited for reinforcements. Genl. Lee had joined Jackson on the same day; and the latter submitted his plan of engaging the enemy. The plans were approved, and Genl. Lee was hastening what troops he could spare from Rich- mond to this point. The Valley Army crossed the Rapidan in the early morning of the 18th at Somerville Ford; Longstreet crossed at Raccoon Ford; and we find the whole Confederate forces concentrated under the shadow of Clark Moun- tain on the morning of the 18th. Pope with his 52,500 men was on the plain beyond. He was evidently unaware of Jackson's near approach on his flank, and ignorant of his movements.
His main army massed on the Culpeper road waiting for an attack. The boaster was doomed to ruin. But an unforeseen incident occurred that postponed his sudden overthrow. Genl. Stuart on the night of the 17th, endeavoring with his escort to escape capture, while near Verdiersville, lost his plumed hat and a package of dispatches. The hat was well known; the package contained dis- patches from Genl. Lee, which revealed his pres- ence and that of his reinforcements to aid Jack- son in his attack. Pope gathered enough from the dispatches to put him on his guard; and we have it from his official correspondence that he, having learned through a trusted scout on the 18th, the real situation, he deemed it wise to change his base to the Rappahannock. The attack was held up by Genl. Lee. He has been severely criticized for thwarting Jackson's plans. These views coupled with opinions expressed by Federal generals who were present at the time, strongly support the claim that Jackson was pre- vented in executing the scheme that would have annihilated Pope's Army. Genl. Geo. H. Gor- don, a Federal General we have had occasion not only to mention in this work, but to study his very fair narrative of the army of Virginia, says : "It was fortunate that Jackson was not in command of the Confederates on the night of
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Aug. 17th, for the superior force of the enemy would have overwhelmed us, if we could not have escaped, and escape on that night was impos- sible."
It is said that Jackson chafed under this re- straint; and viewing his great work at this day, we are constrained to admit that Jackson had cause to chafe. He had his plans completed, and doubtless could have executed them on the 18th to the overthrow of Pope's unsuspecting army lying beyond his undiscovered rendezvous, in three separate columns, if Genl. Lee had not appeared. We must, however, leave this to the military critics. Genl. Lee late in the afternoon, discovered too late that Pope was retreating. Whatever was to be done, must be quickly con- ceived and executed before Mcclellan, who was changing his base, could reinforce Pope. The army was put into forward movement during the night of the 19th, fording the Rapidan at the Raccoon and Somerville Fords; Stuart fol- lowed Pope; rapidly encountered the Federal Cavalry at Brandy Station, where the first Brandy Station battle occurred. On the 21st the Con- federates were well up on the Rappahannock front, and seeking attack. Jackson with Stewart had cautiously moved to the fords near Warren- ton Springs; Early's Brigade crossed about a mile below, near an old mill, and took position on a ridge; the Valley army proper remained on the West bank. Another brigade crossed the river next morning the 23rd. The 24th was spent in skirmishing and changing position; the Federals were driven back by the Valley Army. Stuart had on the 22nd used his cavalry on their flanks, and swooping down upon Catlett's Sta- tion, succeeded in capturing large trains and camp supplies and many provisions, and secured a prize in one of Pope's staff, with his horses, treasure chest, clothing and official papers. This sufficed for the loss of his "plumed hat." Stuart's raid resulted in the destruction of much army supplies and the capture of 330 officers and men. Pope was deceived by Stuart falling back, and concentrated his force on the Old Pike from Warrenton to Alexandria. He now had, includ- ing reinforcements from McClellan on the 25th, about 80,000 men. The captured dispatches dis- closed his strength and position, and that he had promise of 75,000 more if they could be used to defeat Jackson. Genl. Lee who was on the ground, saw an immense problem before him, and that Jackson's plan to fight on the 18th was a golden opportunity lost. Lee and Jackson held their famous council on the 24th, when it was decided to fight Pope in detail. Jackson swung towards Thoroughfare Gap, to strike in the rear and flank; Lee remained to operate in the front and occupy Pope. The old Valley Army was off
with the old Stonewall Brigade or Division under Genl. Taliaferro-Ewell and Hill pressing North- west on the 25th. The old divisions knew not whether their destination was the dear old Valley or Washington; all felt that a surprise was in store; and each man tightened his old belt; ate green apples and stepped lively, following their old leader without halt until midnight, near Sa- lem. Some old survivors of this famous march may recall incidents of that day, if he perchance follows the author in his outline of this cam- paign; and will remember how the Bull Run mountains loomed up before their bivouac the morning of the 26th. The men divined their leader's movement now; and as the word went through the camp "fall in men," no warning was needed to hush into silence this grand body of men, every one of whom was a hero in the eyes of their commanders and of their country. Old Manassas plains lay out before them; and by noon they were full 14 miles in rear of Pope's Headquarters. He had not detected this move- ment. Bristoe Station was seized; tracks and bridges destroyed, and good positions chosen for fear Pope would fall suddenly back and find the small force, and overwhelm it with sheer weight. With the railroad bridge gone, Pope was cut off from his great stores at Manassas. At Bristoe Station, Munford and Ewell surrounded several companies, cavalry and infantry, and secured them as prisoners. Then a rush on Manassas Junction, where prisoners, stores and batteries were captured. Pope's supplies of ammunition, stores of flour, bacon, etc., fell in the hands of the hungry troops. In this attack, the twin regiments, 21st Ga. and 21st N. C. received the plaudits of their fellow soldiers. On the 27th, when Hill and the Old Stonewall rolled in from Bristoe Station, and beheld the new town sprung up since they had last seen the place, and every building crowded with army supplies, besides sev- eral miles of freight cars standing on the tracks- acres covered with barrels of flour, pork, etc., wagons, ambulances by the hundreds, artillery munitions in huge stacks-no wonder then the Confederates yelled until they fell from sheer exhaustion. Many deemed this victory enough to repay all the hardships endured. But other matter of serious import was occupying the at- tention of Jackson; for the magnificent army of Genl. Pope was in fighting trim, and stood direct- ly between this Jackson wing and Genl. Lee. No time to lose, for Pope could easily throw 50,000 men upon him in a few hours, and have a suf- ficient force on the Rappahannock to check Lee, if not defeat him. But Jackson with scarcely 20,000 men held a strong card-a good position- all the supplies for Pope's army, and the most enthusiastic soldiery the world has ever seen.
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On the 27th of August, Old Stonewall could be excused if he indulged in a little self-glory; but none have ever told that he exhibited such feel- ings. The author fain would give extracts from many private letters, as well as official reports, picturing the scenes of the soldiers when given license to partake of such things as they desired out of the wondrous stores all around them, but lack of space forbids. Jackson had learned that Pope had sent a large force in his direction, and that Longstreet was heading for Thoroughfare Gap, and it was wise for him to form a juncture with Longstreet at that point. Consequently the stores must be destroyed before the Federals could occupy Manassas. Ewell had already had an engagement at Bristoe Station during the day; and it was plain the Federals were feeling their way in considerable force. So it will be seen a complete change must occur in Pope's plans, to be able to entrap Jackson. He changes from his original plan to concentrate at Warrenton, after he learned that Jackson and Ewell had been driven from their recently acquired positions and captures. And the Official Reports (Vol. XII, part II, p. 72) show that on the 28th he has an army moving cautiously towards Manassas Junc- tion, with a small cavalry force under Genl. Bu- ford to watch Thoroughfare Gap. Coming in full view of Jackson's recent position, and not a vestige of the Confederates left to tell the way of their going; and hearing just at that time, 4:30 P. M., that the railroad station 12 miles out from Alexandria had been destroyed by Con- federate Cavalry, he was in confusion. He be- lieved that the Confederates were between that point and his headquarters in large numbers; and he hastened a concentration at Centreville. He was at a loss to know the whereabouts of the impudent foe that dared destroy his army stores ; he had come in person to "bag the whole crowd." (See O. R.) These show that our old ac- quaintances seen in the Mountain and Valley campaigns, rapidly formed around Centreville that evening-Banks, Siegel, Rickett, Reynolds, lining up next to McDowell-Hooker's, Kearney's, Reno's and other distinguished Divisions. While these were forming, Pope discovered new com- plications-rumbling of artillery far away to the Southwest, beyond some wooded ridges or moun- tains, caught his ear. The battle had opened where he least suspected. He also saw battle smoke in Thoroughfare Gap. He was bewildered. Was this McDowell who had overtaken Jack- son, and would he be crushed? We shall see that Jackson executed his change of position so as to produce this impression. While moving Northward to concentrate at Centreville, Jack- son moved West, in order to get in closer touch with Lee. Col. Henderson, in his graphic ac-
count of this maneuvre, explains the situation so plainly, that we adopt his language: "While his enemies were watching the midnight glare above Manassas, Jackson was moving North by three roads; and before Morning broke, A. P. Hill was at Centreville. Ewell had crossed Bull Run by Blackburns ford, and Taliaferro was North of Bald Hill, with a brigade at Groveton, while Stuart's squadrons formed a screen to front and flank. Then as the Federals slowly con- verged on Manassas, Hill and Ewell, marching unobserved along the North bank of Bull Run, crossed the stone bridge. Taliaferro joined them, and before Pope found that his enemy had left the Junction, the Confederates were in bivouac North of Groveton hidden in the woods, and recovering from the fatigue of their long mid- night march." (Hill had marched 14 miles, Ewell 15, and Taliaferro with the wagon trains, etc., about 10 miles.)
Jackson's new position was well chosen; he was within 12 miles of Thoroughfare Gap, giving him a line of retreat if needed, and especially to make it easy for Genl. Lee to reach him by courier or in person, or with reinforcements. The plan seems now to have been well formed-Jack- son to allow Pope to follow him, or beat a re- treat and wait for McClellan; and 'ere the hour came for his arrival with reinforcements via Aquia Creek, Jackson was to attack and hold Pope until Genl. Lee came to complete his over- throw. Pope was defiant; he had not yet felt the sting of defeat; he had witnessed losses of army stores and many men, but these could be replaced in a short time. Pope had sent Siegel to find Jackson; and after several skirmishes near Gainsville, Siegel pressed on to Manassas; and while he gazed upon the ruin, he dispatched to Pope the information that "Jackson had es- caped." Jackson during that afternoon had be- come fully informed through a captured dis- patch from Genl. McDowell, of the disposition of his Divisions. This was for Siegel to go to Manassas Junction, Reynolds to follow Siegel, King to follow Reynolds, and Rickett to follow King; but to halt at Thoroughfare Gap if the Confederates were in force there. Jackson, pos- sessed of this knowledge, immediately sent the Stonewall Division under Taliaferro to attack at once-Ewell to support; and the whole army was moving as if by magic, in close range of the Washington Turnpike. No Federal force was encountered. One of the Federal Divisions under King turned from their original course to Man- assas, and started back to Centreville via Grove- ton and Stone Bridge, not knowing that Jack- son occupied ground on his line of march. Long- street in the interval, had come in contact with Rickett at Thoroughfare Gap; Stuart had been
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harassing the Federals near Haymarket all day. This situation on that afternoon, if fully under- stood, would have shown to the contending lead- ers that their men were strangely seated on the military chessboard. Genl. Rickett ran head- long into Longstreet at Thoroughfare Gap, where he had been informed the way was clear ex- cept a small force of cavalry; Genl. King execut- ing a strategic countermarch to Centreville by way of Groveton and Stone Bridge, the sheltered little vale where Jackson and his main force awaited developments. Surprises awaited all par- ties. The Federals were learning many of Jack- son tactics, and Old Stonewall was not prepared for the visitors that afternoon. He had every reason to believe that McDowell was near him in great force, for he deferred his attack to be sure who his opponents were and also if Longstreet could reach him under cover of night, if he should be driven back by McDowell's superior force. Had he known that only one division was ap- proaching on the Groveton Road, he assuredly would have made a rush and demolished King's Division. Ewell and Taliaferro in a woodland due North, were ready for action and in battle line; other brigades were in convenient location under Ewell, to the left-Lawton's, Trimble's, Early's-giving this force near Groveton the strength of 8,000 men and several batteries; while according to McDowell in O. R., King's Division composed of good fighting brigades, numbered 10,000 infantry and artillery-no cav- alry. This army totally unconscious of their close proximity to an enemy, marched carelessly along the road in full view of Jackson's hidden veterans, at this time anxious for the tilt that must soon come. The battle opened by a Con- federate battery, startling the Federals; but being veterans, they were reformed, and desperation seized both armies. For two hours the struggle ensued. Being at close range and with Enfield rifles, the losses were severe. Jackson's old bri- gades once more were pitted against Western men, who, handled by skillful officers, fought with desperation. Genl. Ewell fell badly wound-
ed, losing his leg. Then quickly fell Genl. Talia- ferro and many other officers. The Old Stone-
wall Brigade lost one-third of their number, killed and wounded. Ewell's Division lost over 700 out of the 3,000 he led into the galling fire. The gallant 21 Ga. lost more than half its num-
curate report was ever made, but from private ber. The Federal loss was heavy, but no ac-
sources their dead and wounded is estimated at 1,300. As the shades of night settled down, the
were barely able to hold their position. Pope Valley Army saw no evidence of victory, and
was emboldened; and in the night planned for a general advance from every point at break of
day. He was reckless in his conception of the situation, and was ignorant of the positions of many of his columns, and equally so of Jack- son's strategy; which was to draw all the fire in his direction, and thus give time for Long- street to work his way through Thoroughfare Gap, which he did by scaling the mountain on both sides, and struck Rickett on both flanks, compelling him to leave the Gap and field entirely clear. Pope's orders all went astray; and re- ceiving no information from his division com- manders, his whole army was left without a head on the morning of the 29th. King had disappeared from Jackson's front. Genl. Lee failed to receive word of the true situation when night closed down on the battle field of the 28th, for he knew that three distinct fields were well marked :- Jackson at Groveton, Longstreet at the Gap, and A. P. Hill holding out against Siegel. It has been said that when Lee and Jackson had their first interview after the bat- tle of the 29th, both expressed satisfaction that their plans had not been changed, and on the morrow the world would be astonished at the results. Be this true or otherwise, the 29th has been remembered by survivors of those ter- rors, as one of such horror, that doubt has often arisen whether the first day's victory of the Second Manassas justified the carnage suf- fered by the entire command. The old Valley
Army had been used in several counter-strokes that saved the day; but many of their veteran comrades lay stark and stiff on hard-fought lines that had shifted to the old Manassas field. No bugle could call them to their bivouac circles now. Genl. Lee with Longstreet's Corps, lay off to the left, observing the scene, until in the
afternoon, when the latter sent two of his
brigades to reconnoitre; but they were not in the battle. Both armies were content to take night for recuperation, each holding the posi- tions gained at nightfall. The 30th revealed to Genl. Lee, who was now on the ground with reins in hand, what led him to believe that Mc- Clellan's heavy reinforcements had arrived dur- ing the night; and Pope was strengthening his positions. The scene that morning was im- pressive to the bravest men. Yonder over ridges and vales was a great host numbering full 65,000 men and about 30 splendid batteries, with reinforcements at no great distance, press- ing forward. On the Confederate side was scarcely 50,000; but all were heroes, and guided
by such men as Lee, Jackson and others, they felt they were invincible, and that this day must forever reveal to the world the possibilities of an army of patriots battling for a sacred prin- ciple under the guiding hand of born leaders. On the other hand, brave men fighting desper-
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ately to subjugate one section of their common country, to preserve a union of States. The difference may appear to the student of the great questions involved; and he may compre- hend the Confederate soldier's tenacious efforts, and learn why he fought for the cause that was finally lost. Some ascribe the numerous victories lost by the Federals, to deficiencies in their com- manders-lack of skill and genius.
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