USA > Virginia > Frederick County > Frederick County > Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia. > Part 71
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two brigades held the powerful forces in check. It amuses survivors of the old brigade to read Kilpatrick's report of this battle, as he terms it. He says: "The enemy appeared in force, making a desperate resistance, with a battery of artillery and a large force of cavalry. . I rode over to a wood, and found Custer heavily engaged, with Second New York flanked and extreme right driven in. We were overpowered by numbers." Capt. Wm. N. McDonald in his- tory of the 'Laurel Brigade,' speaking of this engagement, says: "When it is remembered that the two brigades of Lomax and Lee were con- fronted by two divisions of Federal cavalry, the numerous repulses of the Federals must be at- tributed rather to the valor and skill of the Confederates than to their superiority in num- bers." The Federal O. R. show now that the movement was made to capture Lee's wagon trains on their way from Culpeper C. H. to the Rapidan. This unsuccessful expedition term- inated in a withdrawal of the infantry; but Kil- patrick continued to entertain Stuart and his men all through the Autumn of 1863. One en- gagement must be briefly mentioned. Col. Fun- sten of the 11th, who had been promoted, took the brigade hastily to Madison C. H., where he at once began a series of scout and picket work, intended to protect and screen a flank movement of Genl. Lee towards Bristoe Station. The ob- ject of Funsten's movement was to distract Meade's attention from Genl. Lee's move on Bristoe Station. Consequently every trooper felt the responsibility for keeping secret the object of their appearance out on the road from Sperry- ville to Culpeper. The 11th was sent to the Warrenton Turnpike, Lt. Col. Ball in command ; and at Rixeyville drove in the Federal pickets, and rode through a deserted infantry camp. The regiment followed the trail, and struck the rear guard a heavy blow. The 7th and 12th were busy at other points. Kilpatrick with about 4,000 of his cavalry, was at the Court House, and drawn up in battle line. Stuart had gone to the head of the column; and saw that his 1,500 men could not hope to force a change in posi- tion. He turned to the left; Col. Funsten led the way, all marching rapidly towards Brandy Station. The Federals poured over the dusty roads on the right, heading for the same point,
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only a skirt of woods separating the columns. Evidently Kilpatrick expected to cut the Vir- ginians off and attempt their capture. Had he succeeded, he could have boasted a rich haul, for Stuart, Fitz Lee, Cols. Marshall, Lomax, Massie, Funsten, Ball and Gordon were all there, not to mention the veteran captains with their hard-fought companies. But Stuart was equal to the occasion; and with rapid orders, our companies were assigned to such positions as would annoy Kilpatrick, who virtually wasted his strength by fighting in detail the scattered companies, who rallied around Stuart at a given signal; and with one grand charge, Brandy Sta- tion fell to the men in gray; while Kilpatrick's forces withdrew when he discovered Fitz Lee on his flank; and by sunset the Federals had re- crossed the Rappahannock, beaten and baffled by vastly inferior numbers. The loss to the Bri- gade was about 40. A number of Federals were killed and 200 missing. The latter were taken to the rear by Company B. of the 11th, Capt. Cartmell commanding.
Shortly after this, Stuart made a dash towards Catlett's Station, barely escaping capture; and was compelled to remain in one position in a heavy woodland skirting the roads where two Federal Infantry columns were falling back. Stuart in his report, says his escort spent the night near the roadside, and distinctly heard the troopers talking. As soon as it was light enough, he succeeded in reaching the main body not far away; and at once opened fire on the astonished body of infantry, who had halted and stacked arms, and made coffee. When his seven guns
belched forth so suddenly, it struck panic in their ranks; but Stuart was dealing now with old soldiers, who soon rallied and assaulted the bat- tery. But the dismounted cavalry was at hand. Vainly did the Federals assail every point; and at last they gave way, losing heavily. The cav- alry regiments engaged, lost several gallant men. The Ist N. C. cavalry came up on the left flank; and made a charge that confounded all in their front. The Federals fled, but the Caro- linians suffered severe loss. Col. Ruffin, who led them, was killed. This charge enabled Stuart to move away and retire towards War- renton, Col. Funsten with the 11th, protect- ing the rear. The brigade went into camp at Manassas to recuperate. While there, sometime late in October Genl. Thos. L. Rosser was in- stalled commander. This young officer made a favorable impression on the men. They admired his dashing style. He was unlike all others who had led them. Rosser was at West Point when the War came in 1861; and when he found the government was preparing to send cadets to active service, he resigned and made his way
South, where he entered the Confederate ser- vice with a Lieutenant's commission. He grad- ually worked up for promotion, which came to him; and now he stood at the head of the celebrated Ashby Brigade. This title the men clung to, little dreaming the new commander would have them win such distinction that 'ere long they would be crowned The Laurel Brigade.
By the Ist of November, Genl. Lee went into Winter quarters. The Federals seemed inclined to abandon further demonstrations on his lines. He had offered them every inducement to come out and attack his lines. The cavalry of Stuart had satisfied Meade that he was not yet pre- pared for general engagement. His cavalry had brought such exaggerated accounts of the over- whelming numbers lining every avenue of ap- proach, that he too concluded that Winter quar- ters, on the Rappahannock, would be a safe place to handle his chessboard. We must here leave the armies until Spring blossoms come again, and not encumber this narrative with the monotony of Winter-quarters life among the sol- diers along the Rapidan in the Winter of 1863-4.
Genl. Jubal Early and a portion of the Valley men, during the latter part of November, '63, had been assigned to the Valley District, and was expected to secure supplies to maintain his army while it recruited its strength for the Spring campaigns, and secure if possible supplies for Lee's Army. But he soon grew restless; and stimulated by Fitz Lee's raids into Western Virginia, he figured out his first campaign. This was early in January, 1864. At New Market he organized his little army for the expedition, com- posed of Rosser's Brigade, one brigade of in- fantry and all the men of Harry Gilmore's com- mand that had been furloughed to subsist in nearby neighborhoods, and with Capt. McNeil's Mountain Rangers, and four pieces of McClan- nahan's Battery, he started for Moorefield on the 28th of January, 64. He had no doubt forgot- ten the January campaign of Jackson and its hardships. However, he and Rosser were over the mountains and in Moorfield the next day, and ready for action. The infantry brigade and ar- tillery got into bivouac near Moorefield that evening. Early was then preparing to capture a wagon train that scouts had seen on the road from New . Creek to Petersburg, Hardy County, Rosser started the next morning to accomplish this task, taking his brigade and two pieces of artillery over the Moorefield and Allegany Turn- pike. He found the train, and also obstructions in the road, at a gap in the mountain, and an infantry regiment on guard. The 12th regiment was dismounted, and broke through the fallen trees, driving the Federals down the road towards the train. The wagons were rushed together and
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made a formidable breastwork. The Federals had about 900 men, Rosser only about 450 men. Col. Massie with the 12th, got in the rear of the train, and made an unsuccessful attempt to rout the heavy guard. One of the cannon came up at this time and went into action. The Fed- erals were unprepared for this, and began to waver. Then a joint charge was made, and the prize was won, with the loss of 25 Confederates. 90 wagons and about 50 prisoners were cap- tured. Some of the mules and horses were ridden away in the stampede by the drivers. A number of dead and wounded Federals were left on the field.
Rosser's next move was to Petersburg; but nothing was found there but large quantities of ammunition and commissary stores. From there he proceeded down Patterson's Creek Valley, to forage the country for cattle and strike the rail- road. The 7th regiment was sent to Mechanics- burg Gap, there to check Averill's Cavalry, while the main body proceeded to the railroad, where he destroyed the bridges, damaged the canal, and cut the telegraph wires. Averill appeared on the flank several times, but was easily driven to cover in the mountain gaps. The expedition was a success. A large drove of cattle and other supplies were gathered and safely landed in Moorefield, and there met by Capt. John McNeil and his Rangers, with several hundred cattle they had brought from the western side of the Alleganies. This celebrated raid cost the loyal people of the Moorefield Valley untold troubles in retaliation. But such is the fate of War. All must suffer !
Genl. Early started on the return march over the mountains to the Shenandoah Valley, where were landed 1,500 cattle, 500 sheep, the captured wagons full of rich supplies, and a good batch of prisoners. Genl. Stuart in his report, speak- ing of this expedition in the dead of Winter, 1864, (Feby.) says: "The bold and successful enterprise herein reported, furnishes additional proof of Genl. Rosser's merit as a commander, and adds fresh laurels to that veteran brigade so signalized for valor already."
The Brigade went into camp in the Luray Val- ley near Port Republic, where they recuperated, and enjoyed the fruits of their captures, until the Ist of March, when they were in line for a march through the Blue Ridge, hastening towards Richmond, in obedience to a call from Stuart. That forced march through sleet, rain and dark nights must be well remembered by every surviving trooper, even now after the lapse of forty-three years. By this forced march, it was intended to join in the capture of the celebrated Dahlgren, in his attempt to raid Rich- mond, murder the citizens, and destroy the city.
The old brigade was stimulated by stories told on their near approach to the section where the Federal raiders were supposed to be. A halt was finally made within 5 miles of Richmond, for the men to recover from their two weeks' hunt for the raiders. Dahlgren had been killed, and a number of his followers killed and captured. The remainder escaped. Lack of forage com- pelled the brigade to change camps. They marched to Gordonsville; and while there, horses and men were on short rations. They were re- joiced on the 16th of March, when orders came to move slowly towards Staunton, subsisting as best they could, chiefly on the drained resources of the country. About the Ist of April, they were in camp near Lexington, Va. No surviving trooper can forget April of 1864, when the old brigade enjoyed its only rest. While rations were light, the social charms of old Rockbridge were abundant and glorious. Many a disheartened wanderer from home was cheered to take up his burden again with renewed vigor. The women of that end of the old Valley did much towards recruiting the depleted regiments. Many have crossed the river-the fair women and brave troopers-unconscious of these tender recollec- tions, or of the garlands that betimes bedeck their graves !
About the Ist of May, the old brigade was put under review. It was noticeable how the ranks had filled up. Stragglers came with fresh looks, old uniforms cleaned and repaired by some fair hands. New recruits were added; and all be- tokened answer to the appeal that General Lee had made for help. General orders were read, ordering the Brigade to break camp and march to Stuart's relief, for Grant was crossing the Rapidan. All knew what this meant. The com- mand after a quick march, found itself in camp on the East side of the Blue Ridge, all in good condition. May 4th they were called for, and hastily took position near Mine Run, close to Genl. Lee's lines. The next morning (5th) found the brigade on Cat-hoppin road. This was the route to the "Todd Tavern." It was not long before the head of the column ran into Wilson's strong division of cavalry. Rosser, nothing daunted, sent in Col. Massie with the 12th sup- ported by the 11th, 7th and White's battalion. Something must give way-for the gray troopers felt good that day, although the heat was in- tense. Pistols, sabres and Rebel yells shocked the head of the Federal column, which gave way after a hand-to-hand struggle in that narrow road. The Federals fell back, and crossing the river, made a stand, but nothing could stay the gray veterans now. Recklessly they charged over the river and again drove their enemies back. This time Wilson found cover for his
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artillery; and for a while the Confederates suf- fered under a galling fire. The artillerists were supported by several battalions. The 12th again made a bold dash. They were twice repulsed, but never wavered. The 11th and 7th went to the support in fine style. The 11th was led by Maj. Ed. McDonald, as brave a man as ever led a charge; and well did his men follow him to the victory. The 7th joined in the grand charge with yells, shots and strokes that ended in a route "of the enemy." Many prisoners were captured. White's Battalion (35th Va. Cavalry) which had been nick-named "The Camanches," made a desperate charge with sabre alone, for they had no ammunition. Gregg was on his way to aid Wilson. They rallied and moved forward in such force, that the renewed attack on Rosser was fierce, resulting in consid- erable loss to both sides. Rosser, however, held the ground until he fell back to stronger posi- tions. Gregg's official reports show that his force added to Wilson's comprised seventeen reg- iments of cavalry and six batteries. It was this great victory of Genl. Rosser's that gave them the name of the Laurel Brigade; and many men rode away with sprigs of laurel in their hats. The Confederate loss in killed, wounded and missing was 114. Gregg's O. R. show the fol- lowing loss to his command: 94 men killed, 27 officers and 389 men wounded, and 187 missing. Yet the infantry in both armies claimed the cav- alry avoided battle! An impartial study of the different arms of the service, show they not only rendered more days of hard service, but also that the cavalry losses were larger in proportion to numbers engaged than that of the infantry.
The 6th of May, '64, was one of awful experi- ence to the old Brigade; but, gaining some ground, they were ready for the 7th. The in- fantry and artillery of both armies were not so active. The cavalry bore the brunt of frequent attempts of Federal Cavalry to strike weak points.
Stuart and Wade Hampton were on the ground, and met them at every point. The next morning (the 8th) the Laurel Brigade was assigned to Hampton. Rosser and the brigade formed part of Hampton's command all that Summer. Hamp- ton succeeded General Stuart when the latter was mortally wounded on the IIth, and was Chief in Command from the 16th. Genl. Butler of S. C. assumed command of the division. The bri- gade did splendid service during the previous week. Sheridan with his powerful force of cav- alry, swept around Lee's right on the gtlı. At Yellow Tavern on the 11th, Stuart met him with his gallant troopers; but the odds were so great that the gray lines felt a shock was coming, and nerved themselves. After severe fighting, the Confederate cavalry escaped from the avalanche, by forming new lines on Sheridan's flank, and forced him to change his route to Richmond. Heavy losses to both commands was the result. Many brave men went down from the Laurel Brigade that day, never again to answer to the bugle-call. The survivors retired gloomily from the field, for their gallant leader and his plume had been carried to the rear. When it was known that Stuart was mortally wounded, heads were bared; the spirits of his brave men who had been cheered by his battle-cry, drooped; and grizzled warriors wept like children. They heeded his last words of entreaty-"Go back; go back and do your duty as I have done mine, and our country will be safe." Genl. Stuart, the hero of many battles, had fought his last. The next day his noble spirit took its flight to an- other realm, where glories never fade.
Sheridan's tremendous effort to march into Richmond, was an utter failure. His divisions swept the defenceless sections along his line of march, clean of everything. The Confederate cavalry defeated many of his plans. As is well known, he was glad to get back to Grant's lines.
CHAPTER LXV
THE CIVIL WAR
THE WILDERNESS The Shenandoah Valley Men in the Battle of The Wilderness, Shown Only by their Commands
The first week in May, 1864, with its Spring atmosphere and early blossoms, brought also road- ways, that had been impassable for the two great armies that had wintered along the Rappahan- nock and Rapidan. Both had grown restless. Especially was this true of the Army of the Po- tomac, whose new commander had stirred the great host from its Winter's sleep. Genl. Grant had assumed control, and much was expected from the hero of Vicksburg and the southwest. "On to Richmond" was the cry. It was plain to old cavalrymen that unusual commotion existed on the North side. Genl. Lee had for some time been apprised that the great army was prepar- ing for action, but Genl. Lee was ready for de- velopments. Possibly students of the situation will question the latter statement; for they will find that plans had matured during the Winter to exterminate the Southern armies. But con- fining our studies to the Virginia field, we have Genl. Grant commanding the entire line along the Virginia border, with forces at his command of (Ist) Grant's individual force (by his own official reports) comprising the four great army corps, viz : the 2nd, 5th, 6th and 9th, and legions of cavalry, giving a total of 102,869 present for duty, with 242 guns, then his siege trains of 106 guns and mortars, all manned with experts.
In the Shenandoah Valley were 15,000 men and 40 guns, under Siegel. Genl. Crook was com- ing towards Staunton from Western Virginia with 9,000 men and 24 guns; Butler was at Fortress Monroe with monitors and a fleet of gunboats. He had 30,000 men and 79 guns. Besides these armies, the army at Washington or vicinity numbered 40,000 and strong defences. The 19th corps of 12,000 arrived about the Ist of July.
Genl. Lee was commanding the forces to op- pose the 156,000 men Grant had at his disposal; and here is the official list in Grant's immediate front, viz :
Ewell's Corps 17,079
Hill's Corps. .22,199
Longstreet's Corps. . 10,000
Longstreet arrived May 5th with this portion of his corps.
Artillery
4,854
Cavalry 8,497
Miscellaneous 1,355
Total about 64,000 men and 274 guns.
Breckenridge was expected to meet the armies of Siegel and Crook in the Valley with 9,000 men and 24 guns.
Beauregard was at Petersburg with 22,000 in- fantry, 2,000 cavalry and about 50 guns. These included Pickett's Division of Longstreet's Corps, and about 5,000 men, which joined Lee June Ist.
This gives Lee about 95,000 all told, to meet Grant's armies of 156,000.
The 4th of May, Grant started for battle, cross- ing the Rapidan at Ely's and Germana fords. Lee sent Longstreet to Todd's Tavern, Ewell to the Wilderness Tavern, the center of Grant's line. On the 5th, Grant's 5th corps met Ewell's whole corps within two miles of the Tavern, about 7 A. M .; and then the famous battle of the Wilderness opened, with the Valley men on the firing lines. The Fifth Corps numbered about 24,000, reinforced with 12,000 from the 6th. Ewell's 17,000 met this superior force with the coolness and bravery that always distinguished him in battle. Night closed the battle in the dark forest, with Ewell holding his ground. Two of his generals had been killed: J. M. Jones and Stafford, and Pegram severely wounded.
Hill's corps was also engaged on the Plank road; but his position was not so severely as- sailed. Night closed all down. The next morn- ing, the battle against Ewell was renewed, and Longstreet was on his way to assist Hill. All that day the battle waged at every available spot. The Wilderness is well remembered by both ar- mies, for its tangled growth. Many brave men went down that day on both sides. Grant fought his divisions in distinct military order, using his great numbers to crush Lee by sheer weight. But Lee and his veteran lieutenants met all such avalanches, and turned the tide of battle by skill- ful movements and hard fighting. Longstreet
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was wounded, General Jenkins and several other prominent officers killed. About 4:30 a lull in the great battle occurred; and men had time to look upon the horrors around them, which were increased by the roaring flames. The woods were burning; and wounded men lay helpless. Many were never seen after the fire. Night again closed the battle, and Grant tried other places to defeat Lee. The losses to Grant for the two days was 2,246 killed, 12,037 wounded, 3,383 missing. Total 18,366. No returns can be found showing the Confederate loss. Some esti- mates have been made that place the killed and wounded at 14,283. The next morning, the 7th, Grant started his army to turn Lee's right flank. His advance was met by Hampton and Fitz Lee's Cavalry, who rendered great service. Lee discovered Grant's design in time to meet his columns at Spottsylvania C. H. The numerous engagements occuring on the 7th, 8th and 10th must be passed without any attempt to give a tracing of the Valley men. Official reports show their valorous deeds, and war histories are re- plete with accounts of the great battles of the Wilderness and Chancellorsville. The reader can be enlightened and entertained by reading them, written by men who shared the dangers of the famous battles, and have since made careful study of their incidents.
Official reports of this campaign, made by some Federal officers, are regarded by military critics as fairly impartial. The renowned "Bloody An- gle," which received its baptism of blood and title, that Ewell had designedly or accidentally created, has been criticized by all and condemned by some for its terrible slaughter. All have agreed that the position Ewell took at that point in the Wilderness with his corps-where the Valley men were conspicuous-where Hancock vainly endeavored with part of the 6th Corps to overwhelm and hold, was the strategic point in the battle; and Genl. Grant so regarded it, and renewed his attack on the 18th with fearful odds. But his great numbers were not avail- able, owing to the surrounding woods and under- growth. Ewell had been reinforced and strength- ened by log breastworks; and as Grant rushed his divisions of brave men into this Angle, they sank in heaps. The slaughter apparently whetted Grant's appetite for blood; but he was compelled to call a halt and change his plans of destruction. His own account shows that he started to pierce Lee's centre, cut his army asunder, and then overpower the two wings with his immense host. His failure only stiffened Grant's determination to crush Lee; for we find him massing his army to turn Lee's right flank by a rush in that direction; and when he received admonitions from Washington, his defiant reply was "That
he would fight it out on this line, if it took all Summer."
The battles of the Wilderness and Spottsyl- vania, started on the 5th of May, were continued without cessation via City Point and Petersburg, to finally culminate at Appomattox. We must not attempt to follow the great leaders through these desperate struggles. The losses of the Fed- erals at Spottsylvania, as shown by O. R., were 28,202 killed and wounded, missing 4,235. The Confederate losses may never be known in these battles to the surrender, as very few reports could be made while the regiments were con- stantly engaged. The following is given as an estimate: Confederate loss 17,250. (See Hum- phrey, Livermore, and others.)
The battles now were shifting to the North Anna, Chickahominy, Cold Harbor, the James, and Petersburg, with the siege of Petersburg during the Winter of 1864-5.
Leaving the great armies, the reader will be called to that theatre of the terrible conflict be- tween the North and South, as seen in the Shen- andoah Valley.
During the Summer of 1864, as already men- tioned, Genl. Breckenridge was in the Valley. He had fought a victorious battle at Newmar- ket, May 15th. It was there the cadets from Lexington Military Institute distinguished them- selves, when Genl. Siegel had been overwhelmed with disaster and driven down the Valley in great confusion. This called for Grant's strong will. He sent one of the most bitter haters of the South that he could find at his disposal- for plans were matured for dastardly work-and David Hunter had proved himself sufficiently infamous to undertake the devastation of the Val- ley. Genl. Hunter entered upon his work about the Ist of June, 1864; and gathering the scat- tered forces, he found himself at the head of an army of about 15,000 men, with no Valley army to stay his march to Staunton, where he was joined by Crook and Averill with their large forces of cavalry and infantry. Genl. Brecken- ridge with his two brigades, had been ordered to join Lee. This army of Hunter's took a line of march for Lynchburg via Lexington, and left ruin in its wake. Genl. Wm. E. Jones, who had been transferred from the old brigade to South- west Virginia, met Averill first and repulsed him with heavy loss, but was unable to cope with the infantry force. Genl. Lee knew of the in- tended campaign of Hunter, and had dispatched Genl. Early with the old Valley troops to inter- cept the movement, but allowed Hunter to get from his Staunton base before any attempt was made to engage him. Hunter finding himself outgeneraled, endeavored to escape into West Virginia. His army was completely stampeded,
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