USA > West Virginia > History of the Second regiment West Virginia cavalry volunteers > Part 10
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On arriving at Mountain Cove, or Hanging Rock, on Catawba Creek, a scene met our gaze that we could not comprehend. Scattered around in the wood, in the Little Creek Bottom, were the remains of cannon, caissons, wagons, etc., the remnants of a battery. Shells and cart- ridges were lying among the wreck, and the woods being on fire, they were almost continuously exploding.
I have taken considerable pains to learn the true cause of this state of affairs, and being an eye witness and parti- cipant, I shall submit what I believe to be a correct ver- sion of this unfortunate affair. When the main force of Crook and Averell camped at Salem, Colonel Oley was ordered forward with his brigade to occupy and hold Catawba Gap, some five or six miles from Salem. When this force moved out from camp, an officer commanding a bat- tery which had been marching in the rear of Oley's brig- age, supposing the entire army was moving, broke camp and followed. The battery was some distance in the rear of the brigade, and as no force followed after, it was en- tirely without support, or guard of any kind. No general officer knew of this state of affairs. The battery marched up Catawba creek about one mile in the rear of Oley's force.
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THE LYNCHBURG RAID.
When they reached Mountain Cove, a narrow defile where a small stream falls into Catawba Creek, a little band of Confederates, about sixty men, supposed to be MeNeal's Rangers, were concealed near this defile, watching for some opportunity to inflict injury on the "invaders." They saw Oley's brigade pass, and soon the battery came in sight, winding up the creek road. From his position the officer could see nothing following, and the wily ranger saw a prize within his grasp, and was quick to act. With a wild rebel yell they swooped down on the defenceless battery, capturing the entire outfit. Some of the artillery men es- caped to the woods, but most of them were taken prison- ers. The few minutes spent on that spot by the rebel rangers was time enough to wipe the battery completely out of existence. Horses were ent out and taken away, car- riage wheels cut down, and everything rendered useless. They then withdrew, and, owing to the nature of the country, were virtually free from pursuit. Some of Col- onel Oley's men heard the noise, and returning were the first to view the destruction. The escaped artillery men then set fire to the woods and the wreck.
While Crook's infantry was passing a guard was placed to prevent the men going into unnecessary danger, and Colonel Powell also placed a guard for the same purpose.
At sight of the wrecked artillery, the major in com- mand of the rear guard seemed to completely "lose his head," for with loud and angry oaths he led his little band a zig-zag route through and among the burning wreck. I distinctly remember having ridden over some capped shells, which would have easily exploded if struck by a horse's hoof. However, we got safely through, and formed in line, face to the rear, The ground was rough, yet the major insisted on having the line straight.
Lieutenant J. W. Ricker was in command of Com- pany H, and after the line had been formed, he was or- dered to dismount half his company, the dismounted men numbering about fifteen. This little squad of men was led back to the wrecked artillery, by the major. A wagon
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THE LYNCHBURG RAID.
was pointed out to Lieut. Ricker, who was ordered to take his squad and destroy a considerable quantity of powder that was in a wagon. The Lieutenant rode up to the wagon, viewed the situation, and informed the major that it was a most hazardous undertaking, as there was fire all around, and the powder would evidently soon be exploded. The major said it must be destroyed at once. The lieutenant led his band up to the wagon, directing Mr. Thomas Warman, who was the eldest of the party, to get in the wagon and hand the packages of powder to the men, who would earry it to the creek near by and throw it in. While this was being done the men protested against the dangerous employment, to which the major replied by calling them cowards. He then withdrew from the im- mediate scene.
In a few minutes a fearful explosion occurred on the ground, and a few seconds later the powder in the wagon exploded with fearful effect, killing and wounding over half the guard.
The killed were Scott Gard, Benjamin Prim, William Garvin, Isaac Moore, of Company H, and Marion McMil- lin, of Company C, who was on duty with Company H. A number were wounded, some having their clothes blown almost wholly from their bodies. Lieutenant Ricker, who was sitting on his horse near by, had a thrilling experience. His hat was blown away so it was not found, his saber scabbard hanging at his side was shattered, his head was adorned with its first gray hairs, and he was otherwise so shaken up that he has not completely recovered to this day. His faithful horse dropped dead after carrying his master to camp that night. Mr. Warman, who was in the wagon, was blown across the dead body of the lead horse of the team, and was picked up in an insensible condition. The circumstances surrounding the death of young Marion Mc- Millin were most distressing. Mr. William R. MeMillin lived near Buckeye Furnace, Jackson county, Ohio. He had a family of six boys, and at the breaking out of the . war those who were of proper age promptly volunteered.
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When the Second West Virginia Cavalry was recruited, three of the boys, Andrew, Murray and Emerson, enlisted in Company H. Later in the war two more, Milton and Harvey, also volunteered in the regiment, and when Marion, the youngest, was old enough he, too, enlisted, and Company H already having its share of recruits, he was assigned to Company C. During the perilous times of the Lynchburg raid he was permitted, at his own request, to march with company H, that he might be near his brothers. He was called the "baby" of the MeMillin fam - ily, and it was with almost broken hearts that two of his brothers, Emerson and Murray, looked upon the dead body of their idolized Marion. But even the boon of looking upon the dead body of my near and dear friend and relation was to me denied.
This occurred on Tuesday, June 21, 1864. Since the war Major E. S. Morgan has stated that he positively re- fused to execute the orders of Maj. Carman to destroy the powder; and it the accident had not occurred as it did, in all probability he would have been called to answer the charge.
From this point we marched via Newcastle, Sweet Springs, White Sulphur Springs, to Meadow Bluff. From there the march was continued in easy stages until we reached Charleston, about July 1st. At or near Dogwood Gap, between Sewell and Gauley we met supplies. The one hundred days men who had charge of the supplies as- serted that we were the hardest looking body of soldiers they had ever seen. Thus ended the ill-fated Lynchburg raid.
Who was to blame? Certainly not the rank and file.
The losses of Generals Hunter, Crook and Averell, after leaving Staunton, in killed, wounded and missing, was a total of 940. The loss of the Second West Virginia since May 13th, was thirteen killed, thirty-three wounded and twenty-one missing. J. J. Harding, who was Gen- cral Duffie's orderly, was killed June 26th, as the following letter and telegram will explain:
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Telegramı :-
Gauley Bridge, June 28th, 1864.
To Davis Mackley, Jackson, Ohio :- Killed by gun- powder explosion, Scott Gard, Benjamin Prim and three others, near Salem, June 22. Joseph Harding killed by bushwhackers Sunday morning, 26th, just this side of Lew- isburg. All of Co. H.
J. J. HOFFMAN,
Maj. Com'g 2nd Va. Cav.
Letter :-
Charleston, W. Va., July 1st, 1864.
Mrs. Harding, Jackson, Ohio :- I telegraphed you from Gauley Bridge, June 28th, announcing to you the sad and painful news of the death of your son, Joseph. I crossed Brushy Ridge, some six miles from Lewisburg, Sat- urday night last, and while resting my command at the foot of Little Sewell Mountain on Sunday, June 26, Gen. Duffie, with a portion of his staff rode up and told me that he had been bushwhacked while crossing the ridge that morn- ing, and that his private orderly, Joseph Harding had been killed. His death was caused by a shot in the back fired from a small rifle, and he died instantly; that he had buried him, he did not say where. The general was much attached to Joseph, and grieved much over his death. He was a faithful orderly and a brave soldier, honorable, upright and reliable, and could always be de- pended upon in time of need. Having been with us in the field since 1861, and knowing him as we did, his death is to us a very great loss. Loved and respected as he was by both officers and men, we can freely sympathize with you in this your hour of affliction. While we sincerely re- gret his death, yet we are pleased to know he was a member of our regiment. His purse, revolver and letters I send you as given me by the general. His papers I will have made out as soon as it can be done, and forward them to you.
Yours very truly, J. J. HOFFMAN, Maj. Comd'g 2nd Va. Cav.
As we were passing a little group of houses just be- yond Salem on our return, a lady was observed standing in the doorway of one of the dwellings, watching the col- umn march by. One of our men ventured to ask her the name of the place. To his inquiry the lady politely re- plied, "Little Lick Springs." Then to show off smart be-
.
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fore his companions, he said, "How far is it to Big Liek?' To this the lady quickly and innocently replied, "About four miles this side of Lynchburg." The laugh that fol- lowed, as we all saw the point, was shared in by the lady herself.
There was one well known member of the regiment noted for his ungainly appearance. He was over six feet tall, raw boned and awkward looking to the last degree. A full government ration was not sufficient to keep his stom- ach in first class condition. As the poet says:
"And when with savage-gleaming knife and fork, He brought himself down seriously to work, And marched through every dish in conquering glory, And ravaged all the adjacent territory, Making the table for some distance round Look like a fiercely, hard fought battle ground,
A smile upon his placid face would fall, As if life wasn't a failure after all."
While on the return march he became dismounted, and being a poor walker, he soon became footsore and weary. To add to his misery, his capacious stomach had been comparatively empty for several hours. In this con- dition, one evening, he overtook a portion of the hospital corps, just as they were beginning to eat a bountiful supper of "slap-jacks," fried ham and coffee, which commodities they had proeured during the day. Our dismounted man took his seat on the ground a few feet from the diners, and with nearly tearful eyes watched the ham and slap- jacks disappear. Then with a heavy sigh, he said, appar- ently to himself, "I wish I was Lazarus." One of the com- pany said to him, "Why do you wish that?" "Well," said he, "the bible tells us that Lazarus ate the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table; but those slap-jacks don't erumb worth a d-n."
It is needless to say that after the laugh subsided, the slap-jaeks did crumb, much to his satisfaction.
CHAPTER XIII.
IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
On Friday, July 8th, Powell's brigade left Charleston for Parkersburg, which point was reached on the 12th, and the command went into camp near the city at "Camp Wood." While here we drew a number of horses, and the brigade was fairly well mounted. On the 16th we em- barked on the B. & O. R. R. for Martinsburg, W. Va. reach- ing that place about the 19th. The brigade was not fully col- leeted until about the 23rd. General Averell had preceded ns, and with detachments of regiments had advanced to the front beyond Martinsburg. On the 20th occurred the battle of Stephenson's Depot, or Carter's Farm, four miles north of Winchester. This was one of the most brilliant and quickly executed victories of the war. Our force consisted of Col. I. H. Duval's brigade of infantry, consisting of the 9th West Virginia, 14th West Virginia, 34th and 91st O. V. I., in all, 1,400 infantry, and about 500 cavalry nnder command of General Averell. In this brilliant achieve- ment a largely superior force under General Ramseur was utterly routed and their artillery captured, together with 154 prisoners. The following official documents will ex- plain themselves. It has, however, been claimed that General I. H. Duval and the infantry are entitled to the fruits of the vietory, as the cavalry were so few in number, (less than half what General Averell reports) that they
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were unable to reap the fruits of the victory, other than stampeding the two rebel regiments mentioned in General Rode's letter. I make these statements in justice to all concerned. Some have said that there were not over 100 cavalry present, and that there was no casualties in that arm of the body. This is a mistake, and does injustice to the troopers, who, the writer knows, were there and partici- pated as described ; and the casualties are to be found in the report of the Adjutant General of West Virginia. It was a glorious victory, and immortalized the name of Gen- eral Duval and his brigade.
REPORT OF GENERAL AVERELL.
(Official.)
July 28, 1864.
Being informed during the night of the 18th that the enemy had reached Berryville from Maryland by way of Snicker's Gap, I marched on the morning of the 19th with Col. Duval's brigade of infantry 1350 strong, and 1000 cavalry, viz., First and Third Virginia and Four- teenth Pennsylvania cavalry, together with the First Vir- ginia and First Ohio batteries, to within four miles of Winchester, driving the enemy's cavalry under Jackson before me. During the evening of the 19th information was received that Early had arrived at Berryville and divided his command into two columns, one then moving via Millwood toward Strasburg, and the other going toward Winchester (Early himself being with the latter,) and that Crook's division and the Sixth corps were at Snicker's Gap. I endeavored to communicate with Gen- eral Wright, advising him to attack the column on the Millwood road, but subsequently learned that 'instead of attacking he retired toward Washington. On the morning of the 20th, I advanced toward Win- chester, and being apprised by my scouts of the presence of the enemy in some force abont three miles north of the place, I formed in line of battle before arriving in his view. In the morning 200 of the 14th Penn. Cavalry were sent out on the Gerrardstown road to approach Winchester from the west, the balance of the regiment being sent to attack at Berryville. About 300 of the Second Virginia Cavalry joined me at this time from Martinsburg. Placing a regiment of infantry in line of battle on each side of the road with skirmishers in front,
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and a regiment of infantry in colomn in rear of the right and left flanks, artillery in the center and a regiment of cavalry on each flank, I advanced in this order vigorously to the attack. After marching nearly two miles through a country almost entirely open, with the center upon the pike, the enemy announced his position by opening a rapid fire from four guns concealed in the timber which stands upon Carter's farm, three miles north of Winches- ter. He at the same time made some demonstrations with a cavalry brigade upon each flank. My artillery was placed in position, the infantry regiments in column were thrown forward into line, cavalry skirmishers occupying my entire front were quickly withdrawn to the flanks, the concentrated fire of the twelve guns were opened upon the enemy's center, and the infantry advanced end be- came hotly engaged, while the cavalry entered into a fierce struggle on each flank. My right being immi- nently threatened, I sent the Second Virginia Cavalry to assist the Third in its attack, leaving not a man in reserve or any support to my batteries. The enemy, unprepared for such an onset, after a short but determined resistance were thrown into confusion, driven from the woods and along the road toward Winchester, leaving four guns, sev- enty-three killed, and one hundred and fifty wounded on the field. Seventeen officers and two hundred and fifty men were captured. Our loss was fifty-three killed, one hundred and fifty-five wounded and six missing, Advanc- ing my cavalry and artillery I pressed the pursuit, but soon found that I could not venture with the force at my com- mand to inflict further injury upon the enemy without running an imminent risk of loosing all we had gained. I therefore maintained my position until dark, constantly threatening the enemy with a renewal of the attack until the cannon, prisoners and wounded were sent to Martins- burg. The enemy's force engaged was a division of in- fantry commanded by General Ramseur and the cavalry of Vaugn, in all about 4,500 strong.
W. W. AVERELL, Brigadier General.
Report of Major General Robert E. Rodes, C. S. army, of engagement at Stephenson's depot:
(Rebel.)
Stephenson's Depot, September 12, 1864.
My Dear General :- From what I can gather from all sources I am afraid that officers at Richmond, and the de-
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partment officers especially, and perhaps you, have taken an incorrect view of Ramseur's affair, near Winchester, last July. The facts are these, as can be sustained by ample testimony. Ramseur went out to chastise a small force which Vaugn had reported as one regiment of in- fantry and one of cavalry. He thought at first he would only take a portion of his command, but concluded to take all as a measure of perfect safety. He formed his force with two brigades in the front line, skirmishers out- brigades deployed. Behind this line Pegram's line was deployed. The enemy advanced upon him suddenly, was re- pulsed by Johnson, and at first by Hoke's brigade, but Ram- seur's left being overlapped by Averell, Hoke's two left regi- ments broke and ran, behaving very badly, as General Lewis himself said.
Ramseur was on the right near Johnson's brigade; thought everything was going on finely until he saw this panie on the left. He immediately endeavored to re- store the line by advancing Pegram's brigade, but it being embarrassed by Hoke's panic-stricken men, became so it- self, broke and fled, as did the balance of Hoke's brigade, and finally Johnson's.
Now, sir, this result would not occur one time in a hun- dred with these same troops under the same circumstances, and ought never to have occurred with old troops at all. Ramseur acted most heroically, as usual exposed himself recklessly, but could do nothing with the men; they were under the influence of panic.
I do not hesitate to record my belief that the cause of the disaster was the conduct of the men, and the prime cause was the breaking of the two left regiments of Hoke's brigade. Of course, if Ramseur had put Pegram's brigade in the front line, the disaster might have been averted, but who knows? R. E. RODES.
Immediately following the battle of Carter's farm, the regiment with the brigade under Colonel Powell, advanced up the valley to Newtown where the enemy was eneoun- tered.
An amusing incident occurred here which might have ended disastrously, and which illustrated the fact that the men in the ranks, at least, had not fully comprehended the difference between an action in this valley and one in the mountains of West Virginia. It also thoroughly demon-
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IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
strated the fact that Colonel Powell was alive to the impor- tance and requirements of the hour. On this occasion the Second West Virginia was in line in advance, with skirmishers deployed a short distance ahead. Soon the enemy fired on us from a piece of woods in our front, and before the sound of the shots had died away, the entire reg- iment was on a run to the front, with no semblance of a line. Every man rushed madly on, endeavoring to be the first in at the capture. This new mode of warfare so · seared the enemy that they hastily fled from their position. The bugles sounded the recall, orderlies hastened to the front, and finally the regiment was again in line. Colonel Powell came forward and formed us in a hollow square. He then mounted a stump, while our hearts beat high at the expected compliment. We did not doubt but that we had done the proper thing. The first words dashed our hopes to the ground. "Second Virginia Cavalry, I am ashamed of you. Your conduet is disgraceful in the extreme. You are not fighting an enemy that requires horse racing to catch, but an active, vigilant and brave foe. Seattered as you were a short time ago, a well drilled squadron would eut you to pieces. Another repetition of such condnet, and I will dismount yon. Remember, you are confronting veterans of the army of Northern Virginia, and I am confident, if you will act here as you have on other occasions, presenting a solid front to the enemy, I will never have occasion to censure you again. Now your officers will take charge of you, and place you in the front."
We fully realized the justice of the colonel's remarks and never gave him occasion to refer to the matter again.
On the 22nd the brigade was engaged in developing the enemys position, and gradually pushed their way to near Middletown. On the 23rd, the position of the army was about as follows: The main infantry force under com- mand of General Crook ocenpied a position a few miles south of Winchester; Averell's division of cavalry was camped sothe distance to the front of the infantry. The
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IN THE SHENANDOAHI VALLEY.
main force of the enemy occupied a position near Stras- burg and Fisher's Hill. On the afternoon of the 23rd, Captain Davidson, with about 20 men detailed from com- panies E and H, was sent to the front to locate the rebel pickets. They were found occupying a strong posi- tion on the main pike. Captain Davidson attempted to drive them from their position, but they seemed disposed to stay where they were. Thereupon our officer sent back to the brigade for another detail. While waiting for this re-enforcement the rebel picket was also strengthened. Soon our little force was increased to two hundred, and a charge was made on the rebel outpost, and they were driven several miles onto their main force. Our body was de- ployed as skirmishers, and, while resting in this position, we suddenly saw a heavy force of rebel cavalry advancing in line. It was a grand sight to see that fine body of horsemen as they came forward, completely enveloping our right and left with ten times our number. Realizing the gravity of the situation, in that we had stirred up a hor- net's nest, our little foree at onee began to fall back. For five miles we fought to keep from being surrounded. At Kearnstown some of the enemy had gotten completely in our rear, but by vigorous use of revolver and saber they were driven out of the way. This was one of the most thrilling experiences the writer encountered during the war. We were frequently ordered to surrender, but true to the old rule that no cavalry man should surrender while he is mounted, we reached the division, and the advance of the jubilant enemy was checked.
On the 24th occurred Crook's battle of Winchester. Early had received large re-enforeements, and promptly moved out from Fisher's Hill to give battle. In the meantime Colonel Powell's brigade had been moved to a position on the Front Royal and Winchester pike, on the left of Crook's line. It is unnecessary to describe this battle in detail. Sufficient to say that the Union forees were completely defeated. The Second Virginia made a charge on a body of rebel infantry, and swinging round
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their immediate flank, forced them back quite a distance. In this charge Sergeant Major E. A. Thomas, of Company B, and Lieut. J. D. Barber, of Company E, were killed. They were two brave and efficient officers. Captain Dav- idson, of Company E, was so badly wounded that he was left for dead. As the Cenfederates were passing him, Cap- tain Davidson heard them say, "There's another poor fel . low done for." After the enemy had passsed on in pursuit, the resolute captain crawled to a house near by, and was concealed and taken care of by the inmates uutil our re- turn in September.
Toward evening the entire army was in retreat to- ward the Potomac. Just north of Winchester the Confed- erate cavalry ent off a portion of the 36th O. V. I. who had taken refuge in an orchard; then, seeing our brigade, they (the rebels) turned in our direction and came on in a charge, cheering like mad. Colonel Powell gave the order to face about, draw saber and charge. Every man seemed to be inspired with one desire-to whip that body of cav- alry. And it was done most effectually, as they were driven in utter route until artillery posted on Winchester Heights compelled our withdrawal. General Averell wit- nessed this charge, and expressed the utmost satisfaction at the result. During this time the isolated portion of the 36th O. V. I. made its escape.
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